Simple star navigation

This is an easy method of using the stars to navigate. You don’t have to be able to identify the north star/Polaris, it will work virtually anywhere and even when some of the sky is covered by clouds.

For many people finding the North Star is difficult, but using this method virtually any star will do.

As all stars rotate around the sky each night, if I can see which direction they’re moving, this will tell me which direction I’m facing when looking at a star.

But as stars move across the sky very slowly we need a method of checking where a star is now and at some time later and this is what this video is about.

Some people will say that two sticks are needed, one long and another short. The trips can be positioned so they act as a rifle sight, and this will give a fix on the star’s current direction.

Obviously in the real world most people (if any) will not carry long poles whilst strolling around the hills.

Using the method demonstrated in this video you need only one item (almost anything will do) from your rucksack. This can be used to define the stars direction and also to let you know which direction it is moving.