how do i use the north star?

Question

when the north star is found, how easy is it to follow. can it be used sucessfully on short distances or is it more effective long range. any info will be helpful even if off question topic.

Answer 1

Well Polaris is pretty easy to find and luckily we don't have to follow it because its one of those astronomical features that is placed in such a way that it appears to never move in the night sky,In fact all the other star revolve around it...You might wonder how beneficial this is well ancient travelers used this point in the night sky to pilot ships at sea and across deserts and even to cross vast forests . If one can see the NORTH star one can tell if they are travel ling in the right direction. After all if you continued to walk toward the North star you would pass nearly right across the north pole no matter where on the globe you were ...Pretty handy if your lost and cant find your way ...The star is the brightest star in a group Called Ursa Major or great bear and is most times the brightest star of the evening sky look for help from someone you know or find a chart to locate it. With a little practice you'll always find your way back to your keyboard to ask more questions.....from the E...

Answer 2

You use the North Star to find north (and the other directions) just like you would a compass. It can be used over any part of the Northern Hemispere, but it can't be seen from south of the equator. Also, you can only see it in good weather. Otherwise, it's an easy to use guidepost.

Answer 3

Greetings!

Sailors of old use the North Star over very long distances. Following it is relatively simple once you find it. Of course, it's on the north so you can easily find out South(behind you), West(to your left), and East(to your right). It also helps if you know the constellations surrounding the North Star. But for me, maps and compasses always work best!

Answer 4

Hi. When African-Americans were escaping North there was a song they used called something like "Follow the drinking gourd". The 'gourd' was the Big Dipper, an easier pattern to find and follow, and since it it always in the northern sky, more or less, it would over months get you to the North. A bit off-topic.

Answer 5

Most times u will not want to go north. Orient your body so the left arm points to the north and rotate off that so u can go the way u want.

Answer 6

You can find the north star on north(ofcourse!)it`s the brithest star of Ursa Minor

Answer 7

It's pretty easy to follow. Just walk in its direction, and you are heading north. Done.

Answer 8

Well, the early navigators used it to navigate both short distances and to circumnavigate the world. Worked okay for them, ya know? Not as good as the more sophisticated means we have today, but worked nonetheless.