Can time be used to determine compass directions?

Question

Can time be used to determine compass directions?

Answer 1

If you mean by astronomical observations, then, yes, certainly?

Answer 2

with a analogue watch, point 12 at the sun. North is midway between the hour hand and 12.

This is assuming the time is correct on the watch.

Answer 3

Yes, and you don't need even a analog watch.

Just stick a pencil or a wood stick the ground vertically, in an open space so the sun can cast a shadow to the ground nice and clean.  mark the ground where the top of the stick shadow is.   Wait at least half an hour and mark again where the shadow is.  The taller the stick, faster response.  You may use the shadow of a tall post, rock, etc.

Remember...  shadow always travel EAST.  Obviously because the sun always travel west.

Ok, you may have a bad day and it is raining or casting, no sun, and then, what to do?

Nothing to do with the question, but;

1) It is very common to the wind to blow to the east, this is the natural atmosphere circulation on the planet.

2) Moss grow bigger on the NORTH side of the threes trunks (due lack of sun) at the north hemisphere and on the south of the trunks on the south hemisphere.

Answer 4

It's absolutely essential to determine longitude.