Tag Archives: Dick Francis

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.

Continue reading