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Astronomy for kids ages 7 to 9
Finding
North
Purpose To find compass directions during the
daytime.
Materials your shadow
Procedure
1. Stand outdoors on a sunny day at solar noon (when the sun is at its highest
altitude and casts the shortest shadows).
2. Face your shadow. You are facing North, and
directly behind you is South.
3. Hold your arms out to your sides. Your right hand points to the
East, your left to the West.
Results A Sun's shadow is used to find general compass directions.
Why? In the Northern Hemisphere, shadows point north at solar noon
(south,
if you are in the Southern Hemisphere). Using shadows at solar noon, one can
find the other compass directions. East is to your right, West to your left,
and South behind you.
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