Compass In The Sky

Many native skills have been lost over the years as we become more dependent on technology and one of these in navigation. Before there were GPS systems, maps that you can print from the Internet, mass produced printed maps and even before compasses, people had to rely on their skills and the sky for directions. One of the tools used for night navigation was the North Star also known as Polaris.

For many, finding the North Star is not something they have been taught and may not be able to distinguish from the millions of other stars. But knowing where this star is in the northern hemisphere in the night sky can give you a fairly good understanding of which way North is on this great planet. True many people today will not be traveling at night, but if the need should arise, you will be better equipped and more confident in your night travels.

Polaris the pole star, though not very bright, is actually fairly easy to identify if you have a basic understanding of the constellations. It is the beginning of the handle of the Little Dipper and can be correctly located by using the pointer stars in the pan of the Big Dipper. Polaris is so directly over the northern pole that its position changes very little each night. You can observe all other stars traveling in a circular pattern around Polaris over the Earth from East to West each night.

The Big Dipper and Little Dipper both have seven stars that make up the constellations. Polaris being the beginning of the handle of the Little Dipper and the pointer stars being the end of the pan of the Big Dipper. If you follow the two stars that are the end of the Big Dipper’s pan, you can easily locate Polaris. Please review the diagram below.

With this being said its import to have the knowledge and tools to navigate and survive when technology fails or when the need arises. Some of the tools you will find from Off The Grid Ready include pre-configured kits for most emergency situations. Plus we have the survival food, emergency water and survival gear you need to build your own kit. We are constantly adding new products, so check back with us frequently.