How can you navigate using the sun when stranded at sea?

Navigating using the sun when stranded at sea involves understanding its position in relation to cardinal directions. At noon, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, it is generally located due south in the Northern Hemisphere and due north in the Southern Hemisphere. This knowledge allows mariners to establish a directional reference based on the sun’s location, helping them determine which way to travel in search of land or safety.

Utilizing the sun’s position effectively can guide you on how to orient yourself, especially in the absence of a compass or other navigational aids. For instance, if you observe that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, you can maintain an understanding of these basic cardinal points throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky. This approach is essential in survival situations where navigation might be critical for reaching safety or land.

Other methods mentioned, such as tracking the sun's movement with a compass or estimating time, do not directly contribute to navigation since they don't provide a standard for determining direction. Following the sun does not imply navigating accurately towards land and relies more on external factors, while estimating time based on the sun’s position may not provide the needed directionality to ensure safe passage.