How to Determine Remaining Sunlight

Have you ever wondered how to figure out how much sunlight is left during the day without looking it up on the internet? Well, have or haven’t, here’s how to do just that:

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“This method is used for an average adult with an outstretched hand. Each finger equals fifteen minutes worth of daylight or time, so four fingers equals one hour.

1. Stretch your arm out in front of you toward the sun. Bend your wrist so that your palm is facing you and your hand is horizontal with your thumb on top. The bottom of the sun should rest on the top of your index (pointer) finger.

2. Put your other outstretched hand below the first.

3. Now move your upper hand under the second and continue “walking” your hands down toward an imaginary horizon line, counting the hands as your go.

The accompanying illustration shows four hours (sixteen fingers) worth of daylight left. Be sure to keep your arms straight as you slowly walk both hands down toward the horizon. It’s easy to get sloppy with this method by using only one hand or by putting your hand too close to your face because your elbows are bent.”

Read more here

This a simple trick that everyone should know but realize that there are limitations. Specifically, children’s hands are apparently too small to be accurate. Moreover, extreme latitudes (either far north or near the equator) also affect the usefulness of this method. Regardless, it’s about the only method I’m aware of to determine remaining daylight without using a wristwatch or other clock.

Hope it helps!


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My latest book, The Survival Blueprint: How to Prepare Your Family for Disaster, can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ49Y5X4

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