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Find north by finding
the north star
Being able finding the North star is a basic celestial navigation skill for all wilderness travelers. Navigation by the stars is an old knowledge and still useful, assuming a clear sky. Mariners have used celestial navigation for thousands of years.
Finding the North star
In the northern hemisphere the location of north can be determined from the North star. The North star also known as the Pole star is a valuable navigation aid because it's located almost above polar north. The North star is not a very bright star but unlike the other stars it remains fixed.
In finding the North star the Big Dipper (Ursa Major) and Cassiopeia (shaped like a W) are helpful. Neither of these constellations ever sets and they are always visible on a clear night, however they are not always in the same place.
The position of the stars at the sky depend on the time, date and geographical position (latitude and longitude). That mean the picture you see on this page probably not match the sky you are viewing. Maybe you have to rotate the image. To find the right sky map on your location, see below.
To locate north:
1.
Find the Big Dipper in the sky. Follow the edge of the cup 5 times its length toward a medium-bright star. You have found the North Star which is virtually north.
2.
Double check that it’s really the North Star you have found be locating Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia is a constellation across the North Star from the Big Dipper. It's 'W' points right at the North star.
Short clarification of sky maps
Sky maps show the positions of stars in the sky at a certain day, time and the latitude and longitude of your observing location. Stars appear to move across the sky during the night because of the Earth’s rotation around its axis. That's also the reason the sun moves across the sky in the day.
There are many types of sky maps and it requires a bit of explanation to use it. Are you new to
sky maps, read this.
What does the sky look like where you are?
Do you want to find out? First you need to know the
latitude and longitude of your location.
Now you know your geographical position and you already know how to read a sky map.
Create a sky map
adaptable to your location.
Celestial navigation
Celestial navigation are more then just finding the North Star. Do you want to learn more, read the book "Stars". This book has a lot if interesting information and a very good layout. Complete with charts and an atlas of the entire sky. Details of all 88 constellations of the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Usable anywhere in the world.
This pocket sized version fits easily in your backpack including your pocket. Ideal for practical observation.
Are you located in the southern hemisphere?
Learn how to find south using the
Southern Cross.
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