north star Archives - The Natural Navigator

How to Make a Compass out of a Tree Stump

April 15, 2019December 4, 2019

Very nice email in with a helpful photo: I was stargazing this past week in the Davis Mountains in Texas. I had been pointing out…

April 7, 2014November 26, 2018

I enjoyed cooking some new recipes on the weekend, baking mainly, and this made me think about the night sky. Many people want to make…

September 13, 2012November 26, 2018

A big thank you to James of James Walker Photography for his kind permission to reproduce this image from Umbria, Italy. I have come across…

November 16, 2011March 22, 2020

In this photo, one of the Outward Bound Oman instructors, who I visited recently, is being taught how to use a traditional and beautifully simple…

October 21, 2011November 26, 2018

It has been quite a restless few days. Last Saturday I spent the morning in London as a guest on BBC Radio 4’s Excess Baggage.…

September 28, 2011November 26, 2018

A blog of two halves for you today. Late September can bring some of the best early evening experiences for those who enjoy looking upwards.…

May 9, 2011April 23, 2020

Finding South Using the Stars In the northern hemisphere Polaris, the North Star, tends to get all the attention when it comes to finding direction…

December 3, 2010November 26, 2018

I am delighted to be able to announce the launch of what I believe may be one of the world’s most unusual loyalty clubs. For…

June 22, 2010November 26, 2018

My thanks to Stuart Goring for sending over these great Thomas Hardy celestial quotes. Those who know this blog or my book will be aware…