Quick Answer
To use shadow stick navigation when the sun is low, find a stick and mark the end of its shadow. Wait for a period of time (around 15-30 minutes) and mark the new end of the shadow. Draw an arrow from the first mark to the second, and in the direction you want to go, to determine your course.
Understanding Shadow Stick Navigation
Shadow stick navigation is a simple, effective method for determining direction when the sun is not directly overhead. This technique relies on the fact that the shadow of a vertical stick will move as the sun moves, and by marking the beginning and end of the shadow, you can determine the direction of south. However, when the sun is low, the shadow will be longer and more difficult to read.
Adjusting for Low Sun Angles
To use shadow stick navigation when the sun is low, find a stick and mark the end of its shadow. Wait for a period of time, typically around 15-30 minutes, and mark the new end of the shadow. This allows you to account for the sun’s movement, even when it’s not directly overhead. By drawing an arrow from the first mark to the second, and in the direction you want to go, you can determine your course. A general rule of thumb is to wait for 25 minutes in the northern hemisphere, and 15 minutes in the southern hemisphere.
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