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How to Find Directions by Starlight

In the modern world, navigating by starlight is becoming a lost art. With the advent of global positioning systems, or GPS, and mapping services, being able to read the stars to tell which direction you're headed may not seem relevant. However, it can prove useful in survival situations, and it's even fun to show off your knowledge to impress your friends. If you take the time to learn the locations of some of the major constellations, you'll be finding your way at night in no time.

Things You'll Need

Star map

Instructions

- 1
  Search for the constellation Ursa Major, also called the Big Dipper. Consult a star map if you are unable to locate this pattern of stars, which resembles a cup with a long handle. Draco and Leo are two other familiar constellations close to the Big Dipper, so look around the same portion of the sky if you are able to locate either of those constellations.
- 2
  Find the outermost star of the "cup" portion of the Big Dipper. Look at a 30-degree angle from the edge of the cup to find the Little Dipper.
- 3
  Looking at the Little Dipper, locate the last star of its "handle." This is Polaris, commonly referred to as the North Star, and it is the brightest star in the constellation.
- 4
  Get your bearings, and keep an eye on the North Star. Head toward Polaris to ensure you're heading directly to the north. To go east, keep Polaris at your left at all times. If you plan to head westward, keep Polaris at your right. Head away from Polaris to go south.
- 5
  Determine the angle between the North Star and the horizon to find out your latitude in relation to the equator. If you have a map that shows latitude and longitude, you can find your approximate location and plot your course accordingly.

Astronomy