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How to Use a Sun Compass

Long before GPS, navigators used the motions of the sun and moon to gain a sense of direction. While a compass is generally associated with pointing to the magnetic field at the north of the Earth, the sun can also help a person determine his direction. This kind of compass is as old as mankind, and is perfect for teaching children about the Earth's rotation or if you ever are stranded in the wilderness.

Things You'll Need

Even, clear ground
Long, straight stick
String
Small sticks

Instructions

- 1
  Tie one end of the string near the base of the main stick. Tie the other end to another stick.
- 2
  Insert the base of the main stick into the ground so that it is pointing straight up. Be sure that it is secure and will not fall.
- 3
  Watch the sun in the morning, at least one to two hours before noon. Insert one of the small sticks at the tip of the shadow created by the big stick.
- 4
  Tighten the string so that it matches the distance between the small stick in the ground and the large one. Draw a semi-circle around the large stick, beginning at the smaller stick in the ground, by holding the stick to which it is tied away from it, pointed at the ground, the full length of the string.
- 5
  When the sun is overhead at noon, mark the place where the shadow is shortest or non-existent; this is true North.
- 6
  Wait for the shadow to touch the circle again in the evening and mark this spot with another small stick inserted into the ground.
- 7
  Draw a line straight outward from the large stick to the circle where North is indicated. Draw a line from one small stick to another at the ends of the semi-circle; the first one, inserted in the morning, is West and the second one, inserted in the evening, is East.

Animals & Science