Dave Scott and I have talked about the importance of the Sun compass for these first forays on the lunar rover. It is a common misconception that if the rover malfunctioned and ceased to run, then all one would have to do is follow the rover tracks back to the LM. That would be all right if Dave and Jim drove in a straight line to and from the LM. In reality, their EVA travels took them on indirect routes from the LM. A 1970 Bellcomm report states that if the surface was flat, a 6-foot moonwalker could see the LM from approximately 6 km away. Unfortunately, the Moon is not flat and has obstructions such as ridges, rocks, and crater rims that can block the LM from view. If a two-meter hill ran along the traveler's route between the rover and the LM, then he might pass the LM without seeing it.
