answersLogoWhite

0

The Earth's rotation axis points to the northern star (to a degree of so). So the northern star always points north. More people that just the vikings used this method, and it is still used today by people (but GPS and compasses are also used today).

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

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.


When you face north east is to your?

When you face north, east will be on your right. People use the North Star in order to find their way because it always points north.


What well known star is polaris?

Polaris is famously known as the North Star, and it belongs to the constellation Ursa Minor. It serves as a reliable navigational aid because it remains nearly stationary as other stars appear to move across the night sky due to Earth's rotation.


What is the formula for calculating whether a star is circumpolar viewed from a northerly latitude?

To determine if a star is circumpolar (never sets) when viewed from a northerly latitude, you can use the formula: 90° - latitude + declination >= 0. If the result is greater than or equal to zero, then the star is circumpolar from that latitude. The declination is the star's angular distance north or south of the celestial equator.


Can the north start be used to calculate latitude?

The angle between the horizon and the north star is roughly equal to the observer's North latitude ... always within about 2/3 of a degree. This only works for locations north of the equator. The north star isn't visible at all from places south of the equator.

Related Questions

How can one navigate using the northern star"?

To navigate using the northern star, locate the North Star in the night sky, which is always positioned in the north. Use a compass to find the direction you are facing and align it with the North Star. The North Star will guide you due north, helping you navigate accurately.


How can one navigate using the North Star?

To navigate using the North Star, locate the North Star in the night sky, which is always positioned in the north. Use it as a reference point to determine your direction, as it remains relatively fixed while other stars appear to move throughout the night. By keeping the North Star in a specific position relative to your location, you can maintain a consistent heading.


What type of force did sailors use to help navigate the waters?

Navigators can use a magnetic compass to determine which way is North even when they can't see the North Star.


Which moon did the sailors use to navigate at night?

Well, on MY planet, there is only one moon. Not sure about your planet. Here the sailors generally do not navigate by the moon- but they do use stars. In the north, sailors use the Pole Star, also called the North Star or Polaris. In the far south, you can't see Polaris, so sailors use other groups of stars, like the Southern Cross.


Why was the book the north star important?

Those using the stars as navigation, such as sailor who have no other landmarks to navigate with, can find the brightest star (the North Star) with relative ease and use its near-unerroring position in the sky, to devine the desired direction of their destination.


What metaphors does Sonnet 116 use to describe the steadiness of love?

Shakespeare says that love: is the star to every wandering bark, In Shakespeare's time, many ships used to navigate by plotting a course according to the Pole Star (which is always due North, when viewed from north of the Equator). Shakespeare says that love is as reliable as the Pole Star, you can steer your life by it.


Why did the slaves use the north star for freedom?

They were traveling north, so the North Star was their guide.


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.


Could people in the southern hemisphere use the north star?

No, people in the southern hemisphere cannot use the North Star (Polaris) for navigation because it is located directly over the North Pole. Instead, they use the Southern Cross (Crux) constellation to find south.


How did early travellers use the north star so they wouldn't get lost?

If you face the North Star you are facing north, and this helps you to know your direction.


Did slaves use the north star?

Exactly what do you mean by this? I don't know. But Harriet did not lead the slaves to any star. She led them through an underground railroad.


Why do you use the North Star to navigate?

The North Star, also known as Polaris, is used for navigation because it appears to remain stationary in the night sky while other stars move due to Earth's rotation. By locating the North Star, navigators can easily determine true north, aiding in finding their direction when traveling.