I love the fact that this is for a variety of planets and yet Heinlein includes a compass. I'm going to go out on a limb here and state that the compass is probably not so useful on planets other than earth seeing as how a magnetic north pole is sort-of specific to our homeworld (at least based on our current scientific knowledge). <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Brian,

I don't know what RAH had in mind, but I suspect that any planet capable of supporting humans will have to have a fairly robust magnetic field. http://tinyurl.com/dg32e

Worst case, it is useless. Best case, one can determine local N-S using one of several simple methods, and then note the correction for the compass (or in my case, adjusting the compass).

Other thoughts?

Regards,

Tom

Why?

Most planets in our solar system have magnetic fields, and I imagine any planet that supports life would have to have one.

Obviously magnetic fields on different planets are probably oriented differently, so the planets north may not be in the same direction of earth's north, but a compass will still let you keep a steady course if you decide to head in a particular direction.

Very interesting. I stand corrected.

Tie to re-set your gear and thinking for another variation on the test...this third one is "out of the box", so be prepared for some surprises..

This test you're dropped off in the exotic wilds of...San Diego.
And you have a week to get to LA.

Its urban, hot, and crowded.

How would you do?

What am I missing here. Sandiego to LA on an average day. I'm thinkin it's pretty cheap to hitch hike from Sandiego to LA. Heck even a phone call to a cab to take me to the bus station to buy a bus ticket should bring me in under budget right?

This assumes you have money in your kit. Also, for the sake of completeness, let us assume a transit strike...

I just figured since I was alotted $250 originally that if I had no other gear then $250 minus cost of clothes on my back would would still leave plenty for transportation. I see your point though.