Tag Archives: celestial navigation

Sideband #78: Watch Compass

Long ago (in the first year of this blog), I posted Sideband #34: The North Star, which was about how sighting on the North Star (Polaris) gives you your latitude. Simply put, the elevation of the star is your latitude. My Twin Cities are at 45° north, so Polaris is 45° above my northern horizon. Simple!

In this Sideband, I’ll explain how you can use your wristwatch as a compass. Assuming your watch is an analog one with hands. And assuming you can see the Sun (so this doesn’t work at night).

But, unlike North Star navigation, this one does work in the southern hemisphere.

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Sideband #34: The North Star

I had a small dinner party last night so that some friends could come over for some ‘za and beer and catch up on the latest antics of Nancy Botwin and company on Weeds. Per the old saying, “A good time was had by all.” Or to put it less passively, “As usual, we had a blast! (And that Nancy… craaaaaaa-zy!!)”

However, in the course of conversation I realized not everyone knows about the magic behind our north star (Polaris by name) and found myself taking the virtual podium to explain. It’s one of those things that’s common knowledge to many but may come as a complete surprise to others.

So, for those of you not familiar with the navigational magic behind the north star, here’s the deal.

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