How Can Sunrise and Sunset Help You Find Directions?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. How can sunrise and sunset help you find directions?

The Big Idea

The Sun can be a natural compass. It rises in one place and sets in another. Let's find out how sunrise and sunset can help you find directions.

East to West

Step one: east to west. The Sun rises in the east and sets in the west. That gives you a rough sense of direction every day.

Two Special Days

Step two: two special days. On two days a year, the equinoxes in March and September, the Sun rises exactly due east. It also sets exactly due west on those days.

Seasons Shift It

Step three: seasons shift it. At other times, the Sun rises a bit north or south of east, depending on the season. So sunrise and sunset give a rough direction, not an exact one.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The Sun rises in the east. It sets in the west. On equinoxes, it is exact. Other days, it shifts a bit.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! In summer in Canada, the Sun rises well north of east. The equinoxes are in March and September. The Sun rises east and sets west, roughly. A compass is more exact than the Sun.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, watch the sunset from the same spot on three different evenings. Mark where it sets compared to a tree. Never stare at the Sun. Did it move? Keep asking why, and keep exploring!

Outro

The Sun rises roughly east and sets roughly west, which can help you find directions. Science is amazing! Keep wondering and keep exploring! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!