Upon formation the country was named the Union of South Africa in English, reflecting its origin from the unification of four formerly separate British colonies. In the middle of the day, it is to the south for viewers in the Northern Hemisphere, who live north of the Tropic of Cancer, and the north for those in the Southern Hemisphere, who live south of the Tropic of Capricorn. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/aa\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-8.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-9.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-10.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Navigating With Your Natural Surroundings, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-11.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-12.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-13.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-14.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-15.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-16.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-17.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b4\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-18.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/33\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-19.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-20.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-20.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-20.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-20.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-21.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-21.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/93\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-21.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-21.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-22.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-22.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c4\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-22.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-22.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-23.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-23.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-23.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-24.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-24.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-24.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-24.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-25.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-25.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-25.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-25.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, Determining Direction With Magnetic or Electronic Devices, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-26.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-26.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-26.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-26.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-27.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-27.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-27.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-27.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-28.jpg\/v4-460px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-28.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-28.jpg\/aid10592-v4-728px-Determine-Directions-to-North%2C-South%2C-East%2C-and-West-Step-28.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"

License: Creative Commons<\/a>
\n<\/p>


\n<\/p><\/div>"}.
Medieval Scandinavian orientation would thus have involved a 45 degree rotation of cardinal directions.[5].

In turn, maps provide a systematic means to record where places are, and cardinal directions are the foundation of a structure for telling someone how to find those places. Topographic maps include elevation, typically via contour lines. In pre-modern Europe more generally, between eight and 32 points of the compass – cardinal and intercardinal directions – were given names. If you don't have your phone with you or want to use primitive methods, plant a stick upright into the ground. In Estonian, those are kirre (northeast), kagu (southeast), edel (southwest), and loe (northwest), in Finnish koillinen (northeast), kaakko (southeast), lounas (southwest), and luode (northwest). References The difference between local time and zone time, the equation of time, and (near the tropics) the non-uniform change of the Sun's azimuth at different times of day limit the accuracy of this method. This method does not work very well when closer to the equator (i.e.

Magnetic compasses are widely used, but only moderately accurate. For instance, the sun will rise about 33 degrees north of east on the first day of summer at 42 degrees latitude in the northern hemisphere and 33 degrees south of east on the first day of winter. To determine directions to North, South, East, and West, use the compass app or the GPS on your phone to see which direction you are facing. The 2 corner stars of the "pan" (those opposite from the handle) point above the top of the "pan" to Polaris. A compass will give false readings around metal objects like keys, watches, and belt buckles. Polaris, or the North Star, is not one of the brightest stars in the night sky (it clocks in at 48th brightest). ". Note that this method is only approximate, and can be off by 23 degrees or so at the equator on the first day of winter or summer.

How can I identify directions with a magnetic compass?
Easily add multiple stops, live traffic, road conditions, or satellite to your route. Northwest (NW), 315°, halfway between north and west, is the opposite of southeast. It rises due east on the first day of spring and fall all over the world. Ukrainian Soviet Encyclopedic dictionary, Kiev, 1987. If you are planning a hiking trip, it’s always a good idea to go prepared with food, water, and a compass and map at the very least. This is due to the magnetic field wandering slightly. How do I determine directions if I am underground? [2] A few cartographers prefer south-up maps. At the very end of the 19th century, in response to the development of battleships with large traversable guns that affected magnetic compasses, and possibly to avoid the need to wait for fair weather at night to precisely verify one's alignment with true north, the gyrocompass was developed for shipboard use. Connect the 2 rocks with a stick and this line will go from East to West, with the first rock being West. For this reason, the preferred alternative is to use the constellation Crux (The Southern Cross). Going around the disk clockwise from the North point, one encounters in order the West point, the South point, and then the East point. Ten Hindu deities, known as the "Dikpālas", have been recognized in classical Indian scriptures, symbolizing the four cardinal and four intercardinal directions with the additional directions of up and down.

For all locations, the sun is seen to rise north of east (and set north of west) from the Northward equinox to the Southward equinox, and rise south of east (and set south of west) from the Southward equinox to the Northward equinox. For example, the Warlpiri people have a cultural philosophy deeply connected to the four cardinal directions[21] and the Guugu Yimithirr people use cardinal directions rather than relative direction even when indicating the position of an object close to their body. The asterism "Big Dipper" may be used to find Polaris. Turn on your GPS, and allow it to load and acquire signal. This is, in general, the direction of south. These often corresponded to the directional winds of the Mediterranean Sea (for example, southeast was linked to the Sirocco, a wind from the Sahara). This is best seen in a long exposure photograph, which is obtained by locking the shutter open for most of the intensely dark part of a moonless night. It is possible that some northern people used the Germanic names for the intermediate directions. ", "It is easy to learn. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. south definition: 1. the direction that goes towards the part of the earth below the equator, opposite to the north…. Avoid hiking alone, but if you do, make sure someone else knows where you’re going to be.

For this method to work, your watch must be set for the correct time. This is because the geographic north pole of the earth lies very close to the magnetic south pole of the earth.

On all other days, depending on the time of year, the sun rises either north or south of true east (and sets north or south of true west).

It also requires a continuous power supply for its motors, and that it can be allowed to sit in one location for a period of time while it properly aligns itself. During daylight saving time, the same method can be employed using 1 o'clock instead of 12. In the Northern Hemisphere, usually moss grows on the south side of a tree because that's the side that gets the most sunlight.

", "Telling people how to ask and how to tell the temperature helps. "east-south"). The precise direction of the cardinal points appears to be important in Aboriginal stone arrangements. If you don't remember the order of directions, start with North and go clockwise, using this mnemonic:Never Eat Soggy Waffles. The Earth has a magnetic field which is approximately aligned with its axis of rotation. Good work and good job. While observers in the Northern hemisphere can use the star Polaris to determine the Northern celestial pole, the Octans constellation's South Star is hardly visible enough to use for navigation. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. However, if you live in the Western U.S., the needle points a few degrees off of true north. South is the opposite of north and is perpendicular to the east and west. During daylight saving time, use one o’clock instead of 12 o’clock on the watch.

Use of the term "South" may also be country-relative, particularly in cases of noticeable economic or cultural divide. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Being able to determine the cardinal directions using various methods can help you win orienteering challenges, help you find your way if you’re turned around, or could even save your neck if you’re lost alone somewhere. North is associated with the Himalayas and heaven while the south is associated with the underworld or land of the fathers (Pitr loka). A published photograph exposed for nearly 8 hours demonstrates this effect.

[23][24], Use of the compass directions is common and deeply embedded in European and Chinese culture (see south-pointing chariot). For other uses, see, Unique (non-compound) names of intercardinal directions.

Geographical or ethnic terms may contain the name of the color instead of the name of the corresponding direction. However, southeast has a special word: tenggara. Two rocks, stones, or other objects (heavy enough that wind won’t blow them around). In Greek religion, Notos, was the south wind and bringer of the storms of late summer and autumn. As you spin around in different directions, the compass needle will spin as well, indicating which direction you are facing. The southern celestial pole lies at the intersection of (a) the line along the long axis of crux (i.e. Learn more. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. When you reach the terminus of that imaginary line, draw another imaginary line that extends to the ground. Conversely, at low latitudes in the southern hemisphere the sun may be to the south of the observer in summer.

Because of the Earth's axial tilt, no matter what the location of the viewer, there are only two days each year when the sun rises precisely due east. The directional names are routinely associated with the degrees of rotation in the unit circle, a necessary step for navigational calculations (derived from trigonometry) and/or for use with Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers. Southern Cone is the name that is often referred to as the southernmost area of South America that, in the form of an inverted "cone", almost like a large peninsula, encompasses Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay and the entire South of Brazil (Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná and São Paulo).