Can shadow navigation techniques vary between summer and winter?

Understanding the Solar Path

In the northern hemisphere, the sun rises in the northeast during summer and in the southeast during winter. This change in solar path affects the angle at which shadows fall, making it essential to adjust your navigation technique according to the season. For instance, in summer, the sun’s path is higher in the sky, resulting in longer shadows that point more directly north.

Shadow Navigation in Summer

To navigate using shadows in the summer, find a vertical stick or object and mark the end of its shadow with a small rock or stick. Wait for about an hour and mark the new end of the shadow. Draw a line between the two marks, and the midpoint will be approximately south. This technique is based on the fact that the sun moves approximately 15 degrees in an hour, so the shadow will also move 15 degrees in the same time.

Shadow Navigation in Winter

In contrast, the sun’s path is lower in the sky during winter, resulting in shorter and more variable shadows. To navigate using shadows in winter, use the “stick and rock” method, but take into account the sun’s lower position. The shadow will be more oblique, and you may need to use a more complex technique, such as the " shadow stick and two rocks" method, to accurately determine direction. This method involves marking the end of the shadow with two rocks, one on either side of the stick, and then drawing a line between the two marks. The midpoint of this line will be approximately south.