How to Navigate by the Stars. Explorers have used the stars as a compass for millennia, and if you’re out having adventures at night, you should add the skill to your arsenal. (If nothing else, it’s a killer party trick.) Here’s how to transform the night sky into your personal roadmap. 1) Learn the Big Three According to the Royal Naval Academy, 58 stars are handy for navigation.
You need to know 38 different constellations to find all of them. If that seems daunting, there’s a cheat code. 2) Find the North Star It’s always within one degree of true north. 3) Shoot for the Moon If you can find Orion’s sword, following its point will show you south. 4) Down Under? The North Star isn’t visible below the equator. 5) Move Like a Star Like the sun, stars skate east to west. 6) Take a Survey Forgot to memorize your constellations? Celestia: Download. Celestia: Home. International Association of Astronomical Artists - Space Art.