Don't worry, if you're trying to find your way around in the wilderness without a compass, you can.It is possible to figure out which direction is true at night and during the day.By using the sun, shadows, and stars, you can find true north and head in the right direction.
Step 1: There is a stick that is 2 feet long.
There are likely branches around you in a wilderness situation.You can find your way with a straight stick that is at least 2 feet long.The longer the stick, the bigger the shadow.This makes the shadow more visible.The stick's thickness can vary, but it should work in most situations.A thicker stick can help cast a shadow if the sky is overcast.
Step 2: The stick has to be put into the ground.
If you put the stick in, it will stand straight up.You can poke a hole with a knife or other tool if the ground is hard.The shadow you use to find your direction is cast by the stick.Keep the stick straight by using rocks or dirt.It is important that the shadow is cast on the ground.The shadow will be distorted if the ground is not straight.If you have to, clear some ground.
Step 3: At the end of the shadow is where to put a rock.
The shadow's original location is marked by this rock.As the sun moves across the sky, the shadow will move as well.The sun casts a shadow on the opposite side when it moves across the sky.The westernmost point of the shadow is its original location.
Step 4: Take 20 minutes.
The sun can move across the sky with enough time.Wait another 10 if the shadow hasn't moved enough after 20 minutes.If you can't keep time, then look at the shadow.You can mark the new location when you see that it has moved.
Step 5: The shadow has a new place.
The shadow will move east as the sun moves.To mark it's new location, put a rock or stick at the end of the shadow.Don't use something that will blow away.You have to start over if you lose shadow locations.
Step 6: The rocks have a straight line between them.
The shadow will be further east since the sun is moving west.The east-west line is created by connecting the 2 rocks.You can either draw a straight line in the dirt or lay a stick between them to connect the rocks.
Step 7: The location should be marked with a W and E.
You don't forget which side is which if you create a compass with this.The directions on a compass are North, East, South, and West.Remember the phrase "Never Eat Soggy Watermelon" if you forget the order of the directions on a compass.
Step 8: To find north, place your left and right feet on the 'W' and 'E' respectively.
Your back will be facing south when you are in this position.This is the final part of the compass.The north is true because you have used the sun instead of the Earth's magnetic field.If you want to keep track of these directions, mark your front and back with an 'N' and a 'S'.In the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, this method works the same.In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is at your back, while in the Southern Hemisphere it is in front of you.
Step 9: Take your watch away and put it in front of you.
Look at the watch face and where the hour and minute hands are pointing.An hour and minute hand is required for this method.A digital watch won't work.
Step 10: If you are in the northern hemisphere, point the hour hand toward the sun.
The sun points to the south in the Northern Hemisphere.The first step to discovering the north-south line is to line up your watch's hour hand with the sun.
Step 11: The halfway mark is between the hour hand and the 12 o'clock.
This halfway point marks the north-south line in the Northern Hemisphere.The side pointing away from the sun is true north.Some watches have a rim that can be adjusted for direction finding.An arrow sits at this halfway point if your watch has this.Time zones throughout the world are not always consistent and this method isn't perfect.The point of true north will give you a general location, even if you can't locate it.
Step 12: If you are in the Southern Hemisphere, point at the sun at 12 o'clock.
The north-south line can be found between the hour hand and the 12 o'clock point.The side pointing towards the sun is true north in the Southern Hemisphere.
Step 13: Daylight Savings uses 1 o'clock instead of 12.
Daylight Savings time could be in effect during certain times of the year.Since there is a 1-hour time difference, use 1 o'clock instead of 12.Daylight Savings is between March and November in some areas.
Step 14: Take a look at the Big Dipper constellation.
The star that shows you where the true north is in the Northern Hemisphere is called the North Star.It is easy to find a large constellation on a clear night.The Big Dipper is made up of some of the best stars in the sky and gets its name because it looks like a large spoon.There is a collection of stars that look like this.The North Star is not the best star in the sky.The constellations can be used to locate it.
Step 15: The Big Dipper has the outer edge.
The end of a spoon is made up of 2 stars.The 2 stars are referred to aspointers because they point towards the North Star.
Step 16: There is an imaginary line from the stars.
The line should go through the top of the spoon.The North Star is at the end of the line.The Little Dipper has a star called the North Star at its end.When you think you have found the North Star, look around and see if it is part of a small constellation.If that is the case, you have located it.
Step 17: Stand facing the sky.
You are facing true north when you face the North Star.This knowledge can be used to figure out other directions.If you are facing north, the other directions are east, south, and west.
Step 18: The sky may be cloudy.
Sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate with this method.You can still find the Big Dipper and estimate the distance to the North Star.The distance between the 2 stars is about 6 times that of the North Star.Take the space between the 2 stars and divide it by 6.The location for the North Star is given here.
Step 19: The constellation is called the Southern Cross.
The North Star won't help you navigate if you're in the Southern Hemisphere.Use the Southern Cross constellation to find true south.The constellation is visible in the Southern Hemisphere.The constellation is made up of 4 bright stars that form a kite shape if you trace the border around them.
Step 20: The stars are found by looking at the pointer.
The pointers are outside the Southern Cross.The 2 stars in the Southern Cross are close to these.In the Southern Hemisphere, the pointer stars are some of the best.The pointer stars are a good starting point for locating the Southern Cross.
Step 21: From the longest angle in the Southern Cross, draw a line.
There are two stars in the Southern Cross that are far apart.Imagine a line extending between the 2 stars, and then continuing at the same angle outward.To help envision a straight line, hold a stick in front of you.Since the constellation rotates along with Earth, this line may hit the ground at a certain time of year.
Step 22: The imaginary line is between the pointers.
The same way you drew an imaginary line from the Southern Cross, now find the halfway point between the pointers and extend the line outward.You drew the line from the Southern Cross.The intersection point is south.A natural landmark can be used as a reference point.The intersection between the 2 lines could be marked by a tall tree in the distance.
Step 23: You can find true north by turning 180 degrees with your back facing south.
It is a matter of turning around to find true north when you locate true south.If you don't make sure you rotation is exactly 180 degrees, you will be off-center and not facing true north.