The moon offers a pretty view in the night sky, but there’s more to the moon than its general good looks. We have all seen how people rely on the moon in movies to give them direction. It seems pretty cinematic and almost impossible in real life.
The good news is that this is not just fictional; the moon, like the sun and the stars, can be used as a navigation source. Although relying on the moon for navigation is a bit trickier and a little less accurate than the other two sources, if you are lost and have nothing but the moon to guide you, there are ways in which it can lead you to your destination. The simplest way is to find east and west using moonrise and moonset as determining factors.
If you see a crescent moon, you can determine north and south by using the crescent method to connect the moon’s tip to the horizon. A slower and more complex method is the shadow method that we use when navigating the sun; at night, the method can also be used with the moon.
If you want to learn about these methods in more detail, this article is for you.
When To Rely On The Moon For Navigation?
Although the moon is a source of navigation, its results are prone to human error and can be inaccurate. However, there are certain situations when relying on the moon for navigation that can make the difference between life and death.
The Good news is that the moon can point you in the right direction in several ways.
For more on this, watch this video.
Moonrise And Moonset Is A Good Indicator Of Direction
Just like the Sun, the Moon rises between northeast and southeast and sets between northwest and southwest. The exact bearing depends on the latitude of the observer. And that can be a little hard to determine, but in a survival situation, knowing the difference between east and west can be the difference between life and death.
Crescent Moons Are A Good Source Of Direction
If you get lost on a night when the crescent moon is in the sky, then you are in luck. You just need to draw an imaginary line from the tip of the crescent to the horizon. The line will point south for observers in the northern hemisphere and north for observers in the southern hemisphere.
The Shadow Of The Moon Is A Source Of Guidance
If the moon is bright enough to cast a shadow, the sun’s shadow and stick method can be used to navigate using the moon. Since the moon reflects the sun, the same principles can be applied. You just need to place a stick on the ground and mark the end of the shadow. Then wait around 30 minutes before marking it again. The line drawn will mirror the moon’s movement and point east and west.
The Conclusion
Moreover, the sun and the moon, and the stars can all be used as navigators. But relying on the moon as a navigation source should always be your latest resort. If you do find yourself in such a situation, there are several ways in which the moon can guide you.
