The magnetic variation of north runs nearly parallel to the equator. Practically a full 90 degrees of declination.

The lines of declination shown are isogonic, not directional. They don't show the direction to magnetic north, they link points where the angle between true north and magnetic north is the same.

I'm with Sayid in mistrusting Locke's compass, at least until further tests are done. If the island is near the equator, checking accurately against the stars with no reference information will be difficult.

I also mistrust Jack's estimation of west -- even if he remembered accurately where the sun had gone down the night before, the sunset azimuth varies considerably with the season. And I've learned from experience both hiking and flying that people frequently mis-estimate a ninety-degree turn when they try to measure it with the "point straight ahead, then point to the side" method. They usually end up about 20 degrees short.

So there are lots of ways errors can creep in. I think the point of the whole bit is "This place is weird. Locke is weird. Don't trust either one."

late edit: because I finally remembered the correct term is "isogonic."

sunset azimuth varies considerably with the season.

Even on the equator? My personal experience (6 degrees below) was that sunrise and sunset had very little variation. Over the course of a year, the sun inevitably rose between 6:15 and 6:30 and set around the same time. Is a 15 minute window even equivalent to a 1 degree variation in azimuth? That's not a lot of difference.

I'm talking about a difference in the position of sunset, not the time.

I'll use Singapore for an example (latitude 1° 24' North).

The planetarium progam in my Clié says that today the Sun will set there on azimuth 248°
on 15 April 2005 it will set on azimuth 279° and
on 15 July 2005 it will set on azimuth 291°

...in other words, Sayid needs to wait a year and build Stonehenge (or similar) before he can say definitively that the sun rises in the east. Even so, he needs detailed magnetic maps of the Pacific to prove that the compass's problems are Locke's fault.

Luckily, Locke will have pulled some outrageous survivalist crap by then, and Sayid will get to say "I told you so" without having to go to all that effort.

So there are lots of ways errors can creep in.

Also, Jack and Sayid are remembering general directions in a spot they are unfamiliar with. It's not like they're standing in the middle of Stonehenge where they have landmarks by which they can point to exact west.

I rewatched the compass scene. It was off by 20° from what Sayid thought was true north. I'm not sure I'd do much better than that precision estimating which way north is in my neighborhood in daylight, and I have a pretty good idea where Polaris lies in the sky.

Wow. Stonehengey x-post.

I'm talking about a difference in the position of sunset, not the time.

I understood that, I just wasn't sure how much of a difference of position it would be. From your example with Singapore, it would seem to be quite a lot. When I think about it, it makes sense. The earth still tilts, even if you are on the equator and have equal length days and nights. That tilt would be reflected in the position of sunset/sunrise at any given time and it would change quite a bit over the course of the year. Thanks for the example, it put into numbers what I couldn't quite wrap my brain around.

Aw, you guys are mathing and sciencing the pretty show with the superduper polarbearwhatchamasaurus.

You'll notice there are no diabetic Lostites, or heart patients, or anyone with a chronic ailment who needs regular medication to survive. Because, even if they had been cast, they'd be dead by now.

Yes. Maybe they've been magically healed, just like Locke? Although, sometimes Diabetes Type II and some heart conditions are intensified by comfortable, first world living. There's no endless supply of Twinkies and Marlboros. There is fruit, fish, water, and yes occasionally pork, but it's game, not some bred-to-be-fat Wilbur accompanied by buttery mashed potatoes, and drowned in gravy. The heat might be a complication for someone with cardiac or lung issues, but on the other hand, there's little-to-no polution, no Monday morning status meetings, no Friday afternoon road rage infested rush hour.

Maybe they've been magically healed, just like Locke?

And Claire's baby? The one that had quit moving and then started up abruptly again? Interesting idea. As long as you don't get dead, you might actually be in the best shape of your life.

That was one of the episodes I missed. I hope these DVDs go on sale somewhat soon after the season. Was that how the Alias DVDs were released? I think 24 comes out fairly quickly--or at least, not nearly as slow as BtVS and A:ts.

I want you all to know that I am sticking my fingers in my ears and LALALAing loudly, because if I end up lost on a desert island (or, you know, anywhere) "the sun rises in the east and sets in the west" is the one thing I thought I knew! I suppose I'll be wrong, but at least I'll feel like I know something! God. This world just keeps on invalidating boy scout readiness, doesn't it?