How do You Tell East from West, North from South?
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I have to confess that identifying the four cardinal points is one of my biggest challenges. The simple explanation for this is that it seems to me that as I move from place to place, my orientation changes, and I no longer am able to apply what I knew to be true about the four cardinal points, in one location, to the new location.

The cardinal points are the four main directions used in navigation and geography to orient ourselves and locate places. They are:

1. North (N)

  • This points towards the North Pole, which is the topmost part of the Earth.
  • Example: When you use a compass, the needle usually points north. In the Northern Hemisphere, if you're able to find north, it will be easier for you to plot the other directions.

2. South (S)

  • This points towards the South Pole, which is the bottommost part of the Earth.
  • Example: If you're facing the North, South will be directly behind you. In the Southern Hemisphere, if you can locate south, it will be easier to pin point the other directions.

3. East (E)

  • This direction is to the right of North when you're facing it. It is where the sun rises.
  • Example: If you're standing in the morning and you see the sun rising in front of you, you're facing East.

4. West (W)

  • This direction is opposite to East and is where the sun sets.
  • Example: If the sun is setting in front of you, you are facing West.

Practical Examples:


1. Travel:
 If you're traveling from New York City to Los Angeles in the United States, you'll mostly head west. If you're traveling from Edinburgh to Birmingham in England, you'll mostly head south. If you're traveling from Tagus in Portugal, to Valencia in Spain, you'll mostly head east, and if you're traveling from Melbourne, Australia to Port Moresby, in Papua New Guinea, you'll mostly be heading north.
2. Map Reading:
 When using a map, the top usually represents North, the bottom is South, the right is East, and the left is West.
3. Daily Life:
 If you wake up in the mornings to the kiss of the morning sun on your face, then you bed is facing east.

How to Find the Cardinal Points:

  • Using the Sun:
    • In the morning, face the rising sun to find East. South will be to your right, North to your left, and West behind you.
    •  
  • Using a Compass:
    • A compass needle aligns with Earth's magnetic field, so its always pointing to magnetic North.

 

  • I hope these tips will be helpful to you. E.P. G 
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