polarization and navigation.

M.KALEM

I am studying about vikings navigation . Vikings use sunstones (e.g. tourmaline) for navigation in cloudy or foggy days. How can they do that? May be they can describe sun position with polarizer cyristal. If it is like that, What is the relationship between navigation and sun position?

ideasrule

See this: http://www.polarization.com/viking/viking.html

Essentially, the sky is polarized at 90 degrees to the Sun. If you get a polarizer, aim it at a certain piece of sky, and use it to find the polarization direction, the Sun will be in one of the perpendicular directions.

M.KALEM

why 90 degree? Which polarizer should I use? If I use tourmaline Will experiment be successful?

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M.KALEM	polarization and navigation. Tweet I am studying about vikings navigation . Vikings use sunstones (e.g. tourmaline) for navigation in cloudy or foggy days. How can they do that? May be they can describe sun position with polarizer cyristal. If it is like that, What is the relationship between navigation and sun position?

ideasrule Recognitions: Homework Help	See this: http://www.polarization.com/viking/viking.html Essentially, the sky is polarized at 90 degrees to the Sun. If you get a polarizer, aim it at a certain piece of sky, and use it to find the polarization direction, the Sun will be in one of the perpendicular directions.