How to Navigate Using the Sun, Moon, and Stars

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. The Ancient Ways

2. Using the Sun and Shadows

3. Using the Moon and Starts

4. Why it Matters

THE ANCIENT WAYS

One might wonder how our ancient forefathers, without the advanced tools we possess today, were so adept at reading the heavens to guide them on Earth. The key lies in their intimate connection with nature and their undivided attention to the world around them. This deep bond helped them recognize subtle nuances – a skill many of us have lost in our modern world with its distractions and digital screens.

In times past, life revolved around the rhythm of nature. People rose with the Sun and retired as it set. They didn't just observe the celestial bodies; they lived by them. Seasons changed, tides shifted, and these were the vital indicators of when to plant crops or when to set sail. This dependency fostered a profound respect and a keen understanding of nature's signs.

Our ancestors recognized patterns and movements in the sky. They shared these observations through stories and legends, passing down invaluable navigational wisdom from one generation to the next. These tales weren’t just entertainment; they were survival tools.

Consider the Polynesians, renowned mariners of the ancient world, who navigated vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean with precision. Their understanding of the sea, the wind, the waves, and the stars was so profound that they could chart their course across thousands of miles with incredible accuracy. And they did it without a compass or a map, but instead with an intricate understanding of the natural world.

If you are familiar with the story of "Mutiny on the Bounty," part of the crew mutinied and set Captain Bligh, along with 18 of his crewmen, adrift in a skiff on the South Pacific without a compass. Yet, not only did most of the crew survive, Captain Bligh was able to sail his skiff half way around the world and right into Gloucester Harbor, Massachusetts to the amazement of his crew as well as most of the captains in the harbor.

So, how did he do it? He used the knowledge of ancient mariners and noted the position of the Sun, the Moon, and the stars to fix his position on the sea. But, even though such knowledge seems like magic, the fact is that anyone who has this knowledge can navigate using the celestial bodies.

USING THE SUN AND SHADOWS

For instance, most of us know that the Sun always rises in the East and sets in the West. But did you know that if you are located in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun will always cast shadows north and, if you are located in the Southern Hemisphere, it will always cast shadows south? So, if you stand still for a few moments and see your shadow subtly move from right to left, then you are in the Northern Hemisphere, and if the opposite is occurs, then you are located in the Southern Hemisphere.

Once you know if you are located in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere as well as which direction the Sun is moving through the sky, you can quickly determine the four Cardinal Directions of North, South, East, and West.

USING THE MOON AND STARS

But, what if it's nighttime rather than daytime and there's no sun to see? Well, even though it shouldn't technically do this (some people believe the Moon was placed in orbit by extraterrestrials), the fact is that the Moon follows the same path as the Sun. Consequently, it rises in the East and sets in the West. So, by using the same trick of noting which direction your shadow is traveling, you can tell if you are located in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere even at night.

But what if there is no moon that night? Instead of using the moon, you can use the stars. For instance, there are two constellations called the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper which will enable you to find the North Star (aka Polaris), and once you have found the North Star, you can find South, East, and West. Fortunately, the North Star is also the brightest in our skies, so once you get used to locating it, it becomes easy to find.

So, how to find Polaris? For us in the Northern Hemisphere, (if you're in the Southern Hemisphere you'd use the Southern Cross constellation as your way finder), first look for the two constellations called the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper. ). Next, find the two stars that form the outer edge of the Big Dipper's cup (the two stars farthest from the handle). Draw an imaginary line through these two stars to the last star in the handle of the Little Dipper. Once you do that, you'll have found Polaris, the North Star (also the brightest star among the group). Once you locate Polaris, you'll be facing North, and that will enable you to determine South, East, and West.

Try it out yourself this week.

WHY IT MATTERS

While these methods were used by our ancestors, they offer more than just a means to find your way. They remind us of the harmonious relationship we once had with our environment. In today's world, where GPS devices guide our every turn, and digital maps plot our courses, it's easy to forget the raw, inherent skills our ancestors relied upon.

But perhaps, every now and then, it's worth switching off our devices, looking up at the sky, and trying to connect with the world in the same profound way our forebears did. It's not merely about navigation; it's about grounding oneself, rediscovering our roots, and understanding the world from a perspective that's both ancient and enlightening.

In essence, the stars, Sun, and Moon are more than just celestial bodies; they're timeless teachers, guiding lights, reminding us of our place in the vast expanse of the universe and the legacy of wisdom handed down through the ages.

So, if you ever find yourself lost in the wilderness, being aware of these simple navigational rules can help you easily use the Sun, Moon, and stars to determine the Cardinal Directions of North, South, East, and West and thus use them to find your way.

Have you practiced these navigation techniques? Let us know below.