Learn the placement of Cassiopeia and Ursa Major, better known as the Big Dipper. Cassiopeia is shaped like a sideways "W," while the Big Dipper looks like a ladle. Neither of these constellations ever sets, and so long as you are in North America or Europe, you should be able to see them in any season.
Extend an imaginary line between the Big Dipper and Cassiopeia to find Polaris, the North Star. Polaris is the handle of the Big Dipper. You should always check for Cassiopeia next to the Big Dipper to make sure you are not confusing it with the Little Dipper, or Ursa Minor.
Use the Northern Star to estimate your latitude. To do this, you will have to have a weight, a string, and some straight sticks with you.
Hammer a vertical stick into the ground. Hammer in a second stick, parallel to the first and align it with the North Star. Tie a string to the second stick. Sight with your thumb down the first stick until it is aligned with the North Star. Mark the spot on the stick where the star aligned.
Extend the string straight across from the second stick to the first and tie it to secure. Then extend the string at an angle until it reaches the mark on the stick. If you measure the angle created with the string, you will know your latitude in degrees.
