Have you ever wanted to measure degrees in the sky, but didn’t have access to a protractor or other equipment?
Well, it turns out that one of your most useful tools is right there on the end of your arm – your hand! In this post, we’ll discuss exactly how you can use your hand to measure degrees in the sky.
How to Do It?
The technique for measuring degrees in the sky with your hand requires you to extend your arm out in front of you and make a fist.
Then, count off each finger as it passes by an object in the sky that you want to measure. For example, if you wanted to measure the angle of a star in the night sky, simply extend your arm and point at the star with one finger.
Then count off each finger as it passes by until it comes back around to that same finger. This process takes about 20 seconds, so be sure not to move too quickly!
Once you’ve counted off all five fingers, then look at where they are pointing relative to each other. Each finger represents 15° of arc (or 1/4th of a circle).
So if all five fingers are lined up together and pointing towards the same spot in the sky, then that means that is 75° (5 times 15°).
If two fingers are pointing toward one spot while three are pointing toward another spot on either side of them then that means that those two spots are 30° apart (2 times 15°). This technique will allow you to accurately measure angles between objects in any direction up to 90°!
Conclusion
Measuring degrees in the sky with your hand is an easy way for anyone to quickly and accurately gauge angles between objects without any special tools or equipment.
Next time you find yourself wanting to get a better understanding of what’s going on up above us, just remember this simple trick and use your hand as a protractor substitute! With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to measure angles like an expert.
