If Your North Star Is Lost, New Techniques Can Point You South

The article discusses alternative navigation techniques that can be used when the North Star is not visible. The author, Tristan Gooley, explains how a pair of familiar constellations, the Southern Cross and the Pointers, can be used to determine the direction of south. The Southern Cross is a prominent constellation in the southern hemisphere, and by observing its orientation, one can determine the direction of south. Additionally, the Pointers, a pair of bright stars in the constellation Centaurus, can be used to locate the Southern Cross and further pinpoint the southern direction. The article suggests that these techniques can be particularly useful when other navigation methods, such as using the North Star, are not available, such as in cases of poor visibility or when the North Star is obstructed. The author emphasizes the importance of being able to navigate using natural cues, especially in outdoor and remote environments where traditional navigation tools may not be reliable.