Solar Compass

I was out in my yard and was looking at my shadow when I decided to do a quick lesson on Solar Compass.  Basically, you can get a general direction of North by using a stick and the sun. 

Step 1 -   Insert a stick into the ground. One to two feet in length should suffice. The straighter the stick, the better.

Step 2 -  Place a rock where the shadow ends.



 

 

Step 3 -  Wait at least 15 minutes...around 30 is better.

 

Step 4 -  There will be a shadow in a new position now. Place a rock at the tip of that shadow.

 

 

Step 5 -  Place a stick, or something straight, across the two rocks.

Step 6 -  Place another stick, or something straight, perpendicular to this first stick at the middle point between the rocks.

Step 7 -  Now the point farthest from the original stick (used to make the shadows) will be the direction of North.  This works for people in the northern hemisphere. In the southern hemisphere, it is opposite. 

This is just a quick way to get a general idea of your direction if you have a day with sunlight. 

Happy Hiking!