Latitude is the geographic coordinate that indicates the North-South position where you are on the surface of the Earth. You can find your latitude via the Internet, with a real map, via a compass, or by using some other methods. If you want to know how to find your latitude, then keep reading this article!
Steps
Step 1. Use an online tool to find out your latitude / longitude
If you search the internet for "how to find latitude", several websites will appear that can help you find your location. The only information these sites require is the exact address you are at, and they will give you the latitude in seconds. Make sure you use a free site that doesn't ask for any financial information.
Step 2. Use Google Maps
You can find your latitude quickly and easily using Google Maps. Here's all you need to do:
- Go to Google Maps.
- Enter your address and hit enter.
- Right-click on the red sign and select "What's here?" Or
- Latitude and longitude will appear. The first datum is the latitude.
Step 3. Use a real map
It sounds unbelievable, but there really was a time when all maps didn't have the word "Google" in their name. You can find your latitude by opening a map (in this case you can also use an online map) and pinpoint your position on it. While it won't be as accurate as typing your exact address online, if you know how to read a map you will still be able to get a fairly accurate measure of your latitude. Latitude on a map runs horizontally, while longitude runs vertically. Find your position and use a ruler or other similar object to create a straight line from your position to the nearest latitude marker (line horizontally). This is how you can find latitude.
Step 4. Use the North Star and a compass
While this is a longer method of finding latitude, it can be addicting to use your science skills to determine a location. Here's what you need to do:
- Find the "Big Dipper". This constellation is also known as the "Big Dipper", or simply the "Chariot", and looks like a chariot, in fact, or like a large spoon.
- Find the back of the “Wagon” or imaginary spoon, figuratively you could imagine it as the outermost part of the spoon, the one farthest from the handle.
- Move four lengths as wide as the long spoon cradle from the back of the chariot to find the North Star. You can also use the constellation of Cassiopeia, the "Seated Queen", which looks like a "W", and which is always an equal distance from the North Star. The position of this star never changes.
- Use the line of sight extending from the top of the light beam to connect the beam with the North Star.
- Take a protractor and measure the angle between the light beam and the horizon, relative to the 90 ° of the plumb line. This is your latitude.
Step 5. Use an astrolabe
If you have an astrolabe handy, then all you have to do is get as close to the ground as possible and find the North Star (using the guidelines described in step 4 as an aid). Use your astrolabe to find the altitude of the North Star and make a note of it. This is your zenith corner. Then, to get your latitude, subtract the angle you got from 90 °: you will get your latitude. And this is all!
While using an astrolabe certainly won't be the easiest way to find latitude, it can still be the most fun! You can make yourself an astrolabe using a protractor, a plastic straw, a metal object to act as a weight, and a piece of string. Just tie one end of the string to the hole in the center of the protractor and place the weight on the other end of the string. Now, all you have to do is glue the straw along the flat edge of the protractor and everything will be ready
Advice
Quick rule: the altitude relative to the North Star equals the observer's latitude
Warnings
- The methods described above are valid for the Northern Hemisphere only!
- The North Star will be the star indicating the North until 7500 AD, when Alpha Cephei will become the star indicating the North, due to the axis and rotation of the Earth.
