Telling time by the height of the sun or moon is remarkably difficult in Eugene on account of the sky being clouded over most of the year. Usually, I can tell the time by the creepiness factor surrounding certain people downtown. If they’re really creepy and it’s dark, it’s around 11:30 p.m. With most people surgically joining their cell phones to their heads, there usually isn’t a need to tell time without a device.
But when the heavens are clear, and you’re without your technology, there are a few tips that can get you the results you’re looking for.
It is important to note that this isn’t a hard-and-fast ruling on time. You’re not going to be exact. Most of the times are roundabout guesses; give or take an hour depending on the time of year.
When the sun has come up in the eastern horizon it is around 6 a.m.
Noon and midnight can be determined when the sun or full moon is at its zenith. Facing due south is the best way to determine this since the moon changes position in the sky during the year. During winter, it is higher up in the sky.
When the sun has crossed into the western portion of the horizon (from its zenith) halfway to the western horizon, it’s around 3 p.m. Sunset is around 6 p.m. But again that varies from time of year.
Reading the moon is remarkably complicated unless you’re a werewolf. Depending on the phase the moon is in, you’ll only be able to tell the time with any accuracy for certain portions of the night. With a full moon time can be discovered just like the sun as long as you use the horizon.
The best advice would be to get a watch.