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Find the North Star, and turn to face it. You're now facing with a degree of True North.


If you're not sure where it is, look for the Big Dipper, and the Chair of Cassiopeia (which looks sort of like a giant W in the sky). The north star is between them. Follow the line between the two stars at the lip of the "bowl" of the big dipper, and follow the line for 7 times the distance between the bowl stars, sort of toward Cassiopeia. Most of the stars out there are pretty darned faint, but Polaris, the North Star, is the brightest of the ones in that part of the sky. Polaris is, in fact, the DIMMEST of the 58 "navigational stars" used by celestial navigators.


If you're in a dark sky area away from city lights, AND if you have pretty good vision, you might be able to see the "little dipper", with Polaris at the tip of the handle. (Don't bother to look for it if you're in town; you probably won't see it.)

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Related Questions

What is the name for current north star?

The North Star is called Polaris. At night, it is often the brightest star in the north. It used to be used as a way to navigate at night, and still is in some parts of the world.


How did people use the North Star to get around?

People used the North Star as a navigational tool by determining the direction they were traveling based on its fixed position in the northern sky. By using the North Star as a reference point, travelers could determine their latitude and maintain a straight course when sailing or traveling over land.


What is the significance of the North Star in navigation and astronomy?

The North Star, also known as Polaris, is significant in navigation and astronomy because it remains nearly fixed in the sky, making it a reliable reference point for determining direction. Sailors and travelers have used the North Star for centuries to find their way, as it always points towards the North Pole. In astronomy, the North Star's position can help locate other stars and constellations in the night sky.


What is an intrument for telling direction?

A compass is a commonly used tool for determining direction. It works by pointing towards the Earth's magnetic north pole.


How star rigel telling direction?

It used to be the Pole star and so was directly above the Earth's North Pole.


What instrument is used for determining direction?

A compass. The North magnetic pole is in the direction of the N on the compass. Therefore, the North magnetic pole is in fact a magnetic field south pole since it *attracts* the north magnetic field pole of the compass magnet.


What is the significance of the North Star in navigation and how is it used to determine direction?

The North Star, also known as Polaris, is significant in navigation because it remains nearly fixed in the sky and aligns with the Earth's axis. Sailors and travelers have used it for centuries to find their direction, as it always points towards the North. By locating the North Star in the night sky, one can determine which way is north and navigate accordingly.


How was the Northern Star helpful to people?

The northern star is aligned with the north pole. Thusly it tells you where due north is. Once a person knows where north is, any direction can be figured out. That is why it is used for navigation.


How is the pole star used for finding directions'?

the pole star is used for finding for directions because it is always north. if u keep going you could find the north pole


Where is the North Star located in the night sky and how can it be used as a navigational guide?

The North Star, also known as Polaris, is located in the northern sky and can be found by following the line of the two outer stars in the Big Dipper constellation. It is positioned almost directly above the North Pole, making it a reliable navigational guide for determining direction, especially for those in the Northern Hemisphere. By locating the North Star, travelers can determine true north and use it as a reference point to navigate accurately.


Which star can be used to work out where due north is?

The North Star, also known as Polaris, is commonly used for navigation to determine the direction of due north in the Northern Hemisphere. It remains almost stationary in the night sky and can be found by locating the Little Dipper constellation.


Does the star Betelgeuse really tell direction?

The star you're looking for to tell direction is Polaris, the North Star. If you know what time it is, and have an accurate star map, you could use Betelgeuse to tell direction, but it's difficult.