Methods of Determining Directions in the Wild

 Using Celestial Bodies

- The Sun

   - In the morning, the sun rises in the east. You can face the sun, and then you know that your front is east, your back is west, your left is north, and your right is south.

   - At noon in the Northern Hemisphere, the sun is roughly in the south. You can use this to determine the approximate south direction and then figure out the other directions.

   - In the evening, the sun sets in the west. By observing the position of the setting sun, you can determine the west direction and thus the other directions as well.

- The Stars

   - In the Northern Hemisphere, the North Star is a very important reference for determining directions. It is located at the tip of the tail of the Little Dipper and is almost directly above the North Pole. Once you find the North Star, you know that the direction it points to is north, and then you can easily determine the other directions.

   - The constellation Orion can also help with direction finding. In the winter night sky in the Northern Hemisphere, Orion's belt points approximately to the east-west direction. The three stars in the belt are almost in a straight line, and the direction perpendicular to this line can help you roughly judge the north-south direction.

- The Moon

   - The moon also has certain rules for its position and phase changes that can help with direction determination. For example, a crescent moon in the early evening has its horns pointing approximately to the west, and you can use this to determine the west direction and then the other directions.

 Using Natural Features

- Trees

   - In the Northern Hemisphere, the side of a tree trunk with more moss usually faces north because the north side is relatively more shaded and humid, which is more suitable for moss growth.

   - The branches and leaves of trees on the south side usually grow more luxuriantly because the south side receives more sunlight. By observing the growth differences of branches and leaves on different sides of the tree, you can roughly judge the south and north directions.

- Ant Hills

   - Ant hills are usually built on the south side of trees or other objects to get more sunlight and warmth. So, if you find an anthill, the side it faces is usually south.

- Rivers

   - In general, rivers in the Northern Hemisphere flow from north to south or from west to east. By observing the flow direction of the river and combining with other geographical knowledge, you can make a rough judgment of the direction. However, this method is not completely accurate and needs to be combined with other methods for comprehensive judgment.

 Using Tools

- Compass

   - A compass is the most accurate and convenient tool for determining directions in the wild. When using it, make sure that the compass is kept away from metal objects and placed horizontally. After the pointer is stable, you can read the direction indicated by the pointer to determine the north, south, east, and west directions.

- Watch

   - In the Northern Hemisphere, you can use an analog watch to determine the direction approximately. Point the hour hand at the sun, and the bisector of the angle between the hour hand and 12 o'clock is the south direction. For example, if it is 8 o'clock in the morning, point the hour hand at the sun, and the bisector of the angle between the hour hand and 12 o'clock points to the south. In the Southern Hemisphere, this method needs to be adjusted, that is, 12 o'clock points to the sun, and the bisector of the angle between the hour hand and 12 o'clock points to the north.

 Using Magnetic Fields

- You can make a simple magnetic compass by yourself. Rub a needle on a magnet to magnetize it, and then hang it with a thin thread or float it on the water surface with a small piece of paper or leaf. One end of the needle will point to the north and the other end to the south.

These methods can help you determine directions in the wild to a certain extent, but it is best to use multiple methods for comprehensive judgment to improve the accuracy of direction determination.