Simple, rough way to measure degrees°

[MaHa]

Hi everybody, 

I came across an obviously very non-scientific, but still useful method of measuring things in the night sky in degrees, so thought I'd share. 

At arms length - thumb and little finger stretched apart: approx 25 degrees.

At arms length - index finger and pinkie stretched apart: approx 15 degrees. 

At arms length - clenched fist, back of hand facing you: approx 10 degrees. 

At arms length - three middle fingers together: approx 5 degrees. 

At arms length - pinky finger: approx 1 degree. 

Obviously this isn't exact, but quite useful as a rough guide. 

Cheers, Mark. 

 

[Ruud]

I held your method at arm's length, and it measured up!

[Demonperformer]

3 hours ago, MaHa said:

Obviously this isn't exact

It gets you in the ball-park - certainly good enough for the widefield of your binoculars.

[Floater]

[Fothris]

Wow! I did not know about this method, now I will take it into service, it can be very useful.