The Novel Method of North-finding Based on the Skylight Polarization

Abstract

A novel technology of north-finding is introduced. Taking the relatively stable distribution of the skylight polarization as the information source, the angle between the carrier’s long axis and the solar meridian is obtained by using the polarization-sensitive compass designed firstly. And then the angle is rectified by using the sun’s current azimuth to determine the angle between the carrier’s long axis and the geographical north-south finally to accomplish the task of north-finding. The experiment result shows that the angle between the carrier’s long axis and the solar meridian is achieved effectively and the north can be found instantly.

Keywords

• North-finding; Skylight polarization; Polarization compass