How to determine the cardinal directions by the position of the sun: easily and accurately!
The sun is an unshakable source of light and heat, without which life on our planet would be impossible. But besides this, it can serve us as another useful tool – using its location in the sky, you can determine the cardinal directions.
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man has been using this method for thousands of years: for example, ancient navigators used the position of the sun to navigate the open sea. But even now, the ability to determine the cardinal directions by the sun can be very useful: for example, during country hikes or in the event that a compass breaks.
However, in order to correctly determine the cardinal directions, you need to know some simple rules and recommendations. In this article we will tell you how to do this.
How to determine the north-south direction
Determining the north-south direction is one of the main tasks when using the sun for navigation. Here are some simple methods you can use to determine the north-south direction:
- Zero North: If a compass is not available, you can determine the north-south direction by placing your hand on the ground and pointing your thumb toward the sun. For example, if the sun is over your right shoulder, your thumb will point north and your little finger south.
- Stick and Shadow: Take a vertical stick and insert it into the ground. Mark the shadow of the stick on the ground. After some time, mark the new shadow of the stick. Between the first and second shadow on the ground there will be a direction from south to north.
- Clock mechanism: If you look at the sun, its movement will resemble the movement of the hands of a clock. The sun will move from east to west, and its height above the horizon will change throughout the day. If you point to noon time on a special device for telling time (for example, on a wristwatch), then the line between this point and the sun will be directed south.
How to determine the east-west direction
Determining the east-west direction can help you navigate the area and find the right path. There are several ways determining cardinal directions by the sun
to determine the east-west direction, you need to use a watch or smartphone to determine the current time. Then you need to find an open place where you can see the sky and the sun.
At noon the sun is approximately in the south. If you turn your face to the sun, then the right edge of the shadow located on the ground will point to the west, and the left edge will point to the east.
In the morning and evening, the sun is closer to the horizon and its position can indicate the east-west direction. If the sun is near the horizon, then its movement will be from east to west. If the sun is in the upper half of the sky and is to the left of the observer, then it points to the west, and if it is to the right, it points to the east.
Thus, determining the east-west direction using the sun can be an essential skill for any traveler or tourist.
Sun and time of day
The sun is a source of light and heat for the Earth, and also shows us the direction of the cardinal points. Depending on the time of day, the position of the Sun and the latitude of a place on Earth, the shadow of an object can fall in different directions.
At the equator, where the Sun rises and sets at approximately the same time every day, the shadow will fall straight down at midday. In more northern and southern latitudes, where the Sun is less high in the sky, the shadow will be more inclined.
During the winter solstice in the northern hemisphere, the Sun is above the southern horizon and shining north. At the same time, the summer season begins in the southern hemisphere with long days and short nights. In the summer in the northern hemisphere, the opposite happens – the Sun is high in the sky, shining to the north and the day lasts longer than night.
Sun position table
| Time of day | Sun position | Shadow direction |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Rising in the east | To the West |
| Noon | Highest point in the south | Straight down |
| Evening | Sets in the west | To the East |
Knowing how the Sun affects the shadow of objects at different times of the day, you can determine its position relative to the cardinal points – on which side is east, west, south or north.
How to use the sun to navigate
The sun is a powerful source of light that can be used to determine the direction of movement. Using the sun, you can determine the main cardinal directions – north, south, east and west.
To determine the cardinal directions by the sun, you need to observe the movement of the sun across the sky. Over the course of a day, the sun moves from east to west, reaching its highest point at noon. If you are in the northern hemisphere of the Earth, the sun will always be to your south. In the southern hemisphere the situation is reversed – the sun will always be to the north.
To more accurately determine the cardinal directions, you can use a shady object – for example, a stick or bamboo rod. To do this, you need to stick a stick into the ground vertically and mark on the ground the place where the stick casts a shadow. After 15-20 minutes, when the sun moves in the sky, you need to mark on the ground the place where the new shadow is cast. The line drawn between the first and second marks indicates the direction from east to west.
It is important to remember that the solar compass does not work in areas close to the poles of the circle. In these regions, the sun is low on the horizon and its movement across the sky can differ significantly from its movement at the equator.
Examples of use in life
Determining the cardinal directions by the sun can be useful in some situations, for example:
- When navigating in an unknown place, you need to know which way is north, south, west and east. In this case, you can use the sun as a guide.
- When hiking in the mountains or in the forest, you often have to move in different directions. Knowing where the sun is will help you choose the right direction and avoid confusion.
- In some industries (such as agriculture and landscaping) it is important to consider how much light falls on a given area during the day. This will help you choose the most favorable place to place plants or buildings.
In general, the ability to determine the cardinal directions by the sun can be a useful skill for people employed in different areas of life. Even if you don’t intend to travel or farm, this knowledge can help in everyday life.
