Stranded on a Desert Island? Use the Sun to Find Direction

The Sun is your most reliable compass.

Basic Method

• Sun rises in the East, sets in the West (approximately; varies by latitude/season).
• Midday (local solar noon): Sun is due South (Northern Hemisphere) or North (Southern Hemisphere).

Shadow Stick (Gnomon) Technique

1. Place a 1m stick vertically in level ground.
2. Mark shadow tip (stone/twig) = West.
3. Wait 15–30 min.
4. Mark new shadow tip = East.
5. Line between marks = East-West.
6. Perpendicular = North-South.

Analog Watch Method (Northern Hemisphere)

1. Point hour hand at Sun.
2. Bisect angle between hour hand and 12 o'clock = South.
3. (Daylight Saving: use 1 o'clock.)

Night Backup

• Polaris (North Star): End of Little Dipper handle; always North.
• Southern Cross: Points to South Celestial Pole (Southern Hemisphere).

Caveats

• Cloud cover blocks sun.
• High latitudes: sun circles horizon (summer) or absent (winter).
• Magnetic declination if using compass.

Practice these before you need them.