Q&A for How to Determine Directions to North, South, East, and West

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Question

How can I identify directions with a magnetic compass?

Wildman5311

Community Answer

The needle will always point north. However, if you live in the Western U.S., the needle points a few degrees off of true north. This is due to the magnetic field wandering slightly.

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Question

How can I tell which direction I'm facing?

Community Answer

Remember, the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. So, if you know the time of day, you can know your direction. If it is evening, for example, and the sun is setting, the direction of where the sun is is West, and the opposite of the direction the Sun is East. Depending upon where you're facing, you can determine North and South from this information. Remember, Never Eat Soggy Waffles for North, East, South, and West.

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Question

How can I determine directions if I can't see the sky?

Community Answer

Look for moss on the trees. In the Northern Hemisphere, usually moss grows on the south side of a tree because that's the side that gets the most sunlight. So when you can't see the sky, look for a couple of trees. If they all have moss on one side, you now where the South is.

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How do I determine directions if I am underground?

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In this situation, you would either need to find sunlight or use a compass. You could also make your own compass.

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Question

Is East right or left?

Andreaslag

Community Answer

It can be confusing at times. East is right. If you don't remember the order of directions, start with North and go clockwise, using this mnemonic: Never Eat Soggy Waffles.

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