Sahara nomads navigate by stars across endless dunes

Geography
Sahara nomads navigate by stars across endless dunes

For centuries, Sahara nomads like the Tuareg have used stars to navigate vast, featureless dunes, demonstrating remarkable precision and ancient astronomical expertise.

For centuries, Tuareg and other Berber nomads have expertly navigated the Sahara Desert's 9.2 million square kilometers using only the stars. In a landscape with minimal landmarks, these skilled wayfinders observe celestial bodies at night to determine direction and maintain routes.

There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.

Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz
Open in App

Get the full experience

Download Facts A Day