How to Navigate Without a Compass Washington DC

Steps

1. Use the sun. If it's in the afternoon the sun will be setting so it will be, more or less, in the west. If it is still morning then it will be rising roughly in the east.
2. At night, in the northern hemisphere, look for Polaris (the north star). It is located in the handle of the Little Dipper. Looking at Polaris, you will be facing North.
3. At night, you can find the North Star using the Big Dipper as well. Draw an imaginary line from the two stars that make up the right side of the dipper. Draw it out several hand-lengths from the dipper. The direction from the end of these hand-lengths is roughly true north.
4. If you have a map, find landmarks around you (mountains, lakes, roads, rivers, etc.) and orient the map in the direction you are facing. North is usually up at the top of a map.

Warnings

• If you are looking at the stars, take care not to trip, it's amazingly easy to do!
• Never look directly into the sun, it could do long term damage to your eye sight!

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