In the modern era, getting lost is a difficult thing to imagine. But those who like to venture into the woods or go for a trek, getting lost is not very uncommon. However, thanks to advancement in technology, we have access to compass, GPS navigator, online map, etc. Having said that, how much can one depend on technology. Often, all the aforementioned things can be found in one gadget - your smartphone. But imagine, what if you lose your smartphone? What would you do? How would you know which direction to go in?
Even if you have a compass, it is going to point towards the magnetic north, and that changes depending upon your location. In the pre-modern age, people used to seek help from the Sun or the stars. Good news, they are still willing to help those who are lost. All you need to know is to understand how they help.
Albeit finding directions using the stars can be pretty complicated, finding directions with the help of Sun is quite simple. This article will tell you about one of the most effective and oldest methods by which you can figure out where is North and where is East. The method is called The Shadow-Tip Method.
When the sun is out, insert one end of a , say, one foot long stick (the taller the better) in the ground in an upright position. Ensure that its head is pretty sharp or narrow so as to get a better reading. Also, keep in mind that the surface surrounding the stick should be naturally flat, without any major unevenness (no bush or plant close to the spot).
Mark the first reading you get of its shadow. After, say, 30 minutes, make a mark on the tip of the stick's new shadow. Each marking should be petite and distinctive. The two markings will tell you where is East and where is West - the first marking is West and the subsequent marking is East.
Draw a line through the two markings. Stand on the two points, with your left foot on the West and your right foot on the east. The straight point that you are facing is North.
Go out and try it in the open, when the sun is out.