2007-09-15 14:06:15 · 18 answers · asked by Carldric G 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Geography
Go the the local 7-ll and buy a compass.
2007-09-15 14:09:19 · answer #1 · answered by neverdugdisco 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
The sun is the answer to this...Rises in the east sets in the west...place a staff in the ground mark the end of the staffs shadow as the sun rises the point the end of the staff and the sun point approx east..as it sets just the opposite..approaching midday the staff will cast its smallest shadow..(take a break at midday).once you have determined which way east and west are then north is pretty easy.....First rule don't go and get lost in the desert...From the E...
2007-09-15 21:15:58 · answer #2 · answered by Edesigner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you at least now what side of the equator you are on? Stand a stick vertically in the sand. Mark the end point of the shadow. Wait about 15 minutes and mark the end point of that shadow. Connect the 2 markers and raise a perpendicular on that line. It should point North or South as the case may be.
I hope I have that right. It's been a long time since Boy Scouts.
2007-09-15 21:14:00 · answer #3 · answered by St N 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, always know that the sun rises in the east, is a little south at high noon, & sinks in the west. @ night, u have 2 look 4 Polaris. If you're having trouble doing that, search for the Little and Big Dippers (the N. Star is in Ursa Minor); I dunno if they're always in the northern sky, but they are present during all seasons. I ain't quite sure which desert in the world is hospitable enough 4 moss, but as 1 answerer put it, moss does grow on the north side.
2007-09-15 22:05:16 · answer #4 · answered by The Glorious S.O.B. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
St N gave you the best answer: First, figure out whether you are in the northern or southern hemisphere. THEN apply the suitable sun-and-shadow test. By the way: very little moss grows on rocks in the desert. Good rule for wet forests, but not for the Sahara or the Takla Makan.
2007-09-15 21:31:58 · answer #5 · answered by Lisa B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In both the northern and southern hemispheres the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. Stand with east on your right, west on your left, and you will be facing north. At night the stars also move east to west.
2007-09-15 21:46:28 · answer #6 · answered by Savo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the sun comes up in the morning, it's coming up from the EAST (to the right of North).
When the sun goes down in the evening, it's going down in the WEST (to the left of me facing North).
2007-09-15 21:09:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Find out where the sun sets, and where the sun rises.
Although, if you really were lost in a desert, finding north would be the least of your worries. Good luck! :P
2007-09-15 21:10:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The front two stars of the Big Dipper are pointer stars. They point right at Polaris if you follow them up and away from that asterism. Or you could look for the constellation of Orion, because Orion's belt lies on the celestial equator. Everything from the waist up is North, and from the waist down is South.
2007-09-16 01:32:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the sun comes up, stand so that it's on your right. You are facing north.
When the sun goes down, stand so it's on your left. You are facing north.
If it's noon, you're screwed, but in the morning, if the sun is on your right, you're facing north, and in the evening, if it's on your left, you're STILL facing north.
After dark, it's cool.
2007-09-15 21:11:29 · answer #10 · answered by Bryce 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sun will rise to the east and set to the west.
2007-09-15 21:10:21 · answer #11 · answered by alwaysmoose 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋