HOW TO FIND DIRECTION USING THE SUN
☀️ How to Find Direction Using the Sun
🏷️ Collection: 🧭 Navigation & Survival
🎒 Explorer Level: Beginner ⭐☆☆☆☆
⏱️ Reading Time: 5 minutes
👧 Recommended Age: 7+
🌍 Collection: Navigation & Survival
📖 What is it?
Long before compasses, GPS and mobile phones existed, people used the Sun to help them find their way. By watching where the Sun rises, moves across the sky and sets, you can work out the four main directions.
It's one of the oldest navigation skills ever used and is still taught to hikers, explorers and survival experts today.
🌍 Where Would You Use It?
You might use the Sun to find direction when:
🏕️ Camping
🥾 Hiking
🌲 Exploring woodlands
🚶 Walking in the countryside
🧭 Learning navigation
🚨 During emergencies if you don't have a compass
🤔 Why is it Important?
The Sun rises and sets every single day, making it one of nature's most reliable guides.
If your phone runs out of battery or you don't have a compass, understanding the Sun's movement can help you work out where you are heading.
If the internet disappeared tomorrow, the Sun would still rise every morning and help guide your journey.
⚙️ How Does It Work?
In the UK, the Sun:
🌅 Rises roughly in the East.
☀️ Travels across the southern part of the sky.
🌇 Sets roughly in the West.
At around midday, the Sun will usually be found towards the South.
By knowing this, you can work out North, East, South and West.
🧰 What Equipment Do You Need?
✔️ A sunny day
✔️ Your eyes
✔️ A safe outdoor space
✔️ A notebook (optional)
✔️ A compass if you want to compare your answers
🪜 Step by Step Guide
Step 1
Find where the Sun is in the sky.
Step 2
Think about the time of day.
Step 3
If it's morning, the Sun will be roughly in the East.
Step 4
If it's evening, it will be roughly in the West.
Step 5
At around midday, face the Sun. In the UK you'll be facing roughly South.
Step 6
Stretch your arms out.
Your left hand points roughly East.
Your right hand points roughly West.
Behind you is North.
Step 7
Compare your answer using a compass if you have one.
⚠️ Safety First
🟢 Never look directly at the Sun.
🟢 Always explore with an adult.
🟢 Wear sunscreen on sunny days.
🟢 Carry water if walking outdoors.
🟢 Remember that the Sun's exact position changes slightly throughout the year.
🌟 Amazing Fact
Ancient sailors crossed huge oceans using only the Sun, stars and their knowledge of nature, centuries before compasses became common.
🧠 Explorer Challenge
Go outside with an adult.
Can you work out where North, South, East and West are using only the Sun?
Now check your answer with a compass.
Were you close?
