The compass has always been an intriguing object, often associated with adventure, exploration and the outdoors. It was once used primarily by sailors and explorers on their voyages around the world or by treasure hunters searching for hidden treasures. However, in modern times, the compass has evolved beyond being a mere navigation tool. Today, adventurers frequently use it during orienteering courses, while travelers on ships and airplanes use it to orient themselves. Many people do not know how a compass works.
Therefore, we are going to dedicate this article to telling you how a compass works, its characteristics and aspects to take into account.
what is a compass
The compass is an instrument that works using the Earth's magnetic field. It is composed of a magnetized needle that is suspended on a pivot, allowing it to rotate freely. The north pole of the needle points towards the Earth's magnetic north pole and, as a result, The compass can be used to determine the direction of magnetic north. The movement of the needle is influenced by the magnetic forces exerted on it by the Earth's magnetic field, causing it to align with the direction of the field. Therefore, by using the compass, one can accurately determine one's bearing and navigate through unknown terrain.
Having knowledge of how a compass works is crucial when navigating open areas, especially in times of crisis or when GPS connectivity is not possible. Cardinal directions and using the bevel and pointing needle are essential survival skills should you decide to venture out into the wild in search of an adventure.
The functionality of the compass has long been a mystery, but its inner workings are quite simple. The compass works based on the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and a small magnetic needle inside the device. This needle is suspended in such a way that allows it to move freely and align with the Earth's magnetic north pole. Following the orientation of the needle, The user can determine his own direction relative to magnetic north. Furthermore, this mechanism is related to the origin of the Earth's magnetic field, a topic that is relevant to understanding the compass.
How does a compass work?
It is typical for children to question the mechanics of a compass when they first encounter it. Fortunately, the explanation of the compass functionality is quite simple. The compass works due to the Earth's magnetic field. Therefore, a simple magnetic compass, such as is often carried by hikers and mountaineers, works on a simple principle. A moving needle inside the compass reacts to a magnet, which is actually the Earth. This is because our planet contains a significant amount of iron and is therefore magnetic. The small moving needle of the compass uses this property to indicate the direction of North and South.
It is important to note, however, that this mechanism only works if the compass is not very close to any other magnets. The needle of a compass is usually made of magnetic steel and generally provides an approximation of the direction of north, although not with complete accuracy. However, this instrument is very useful to quickly orient yourself. For optimal functionality, it is vital that the needle is mounted with minimal friction to ensure it moves unhindered. If the needle is not mounted correctly, it can cause the arrow to indicate the direction of north inaccurately. This operating principle is related to the terrestrial magnetic field, which is vital for the correct functioning of the compass.
The mechanics behind the Earth's magnetic fields are a complex topic. A succinct explanation involves the idea that the Earth has a solid iron core at its center that is surrounded by molten metal. The movement of this liquid metal creates electrical currents that generate the planet's magnetic field. This magnetic field is what protects Earth from harmful solar wind and solar radiation that would otherwise endanger our planet.
Needle behavior
To delve deeper into the mechanics, the explanation of the behavior of a compass needle, always pointing north, is somewhat intricate. The Earth's magnetic poles and the accompanying magnetic field help orient the needle. Earth's negative magnetic pole is strongest near its geographic north pole, forcing the magnetic compass needle to indicate the direction of true north. In essence, The compass needle is itself a magnet that aligns with the Earth's magnetic field lines.
It's worth noting that the Northern Lights are natural phenomena derived from the Earth's magnetic field. These lights are created by high-energy particles interacting with the Earth's magnetic field, triggered by solar winds. It's also worth noting that these auroras can also be found in the Southern Hemisphere, where they are known as the Australian auroras. If you're interested in learning more about these phenomena, you can consult our How to plan a trip to the Northern Lights.
Importance of the Earth's magnetic fields
The two distinct poles of Earth's magnetic field are the Geographic North Pole and the Magnetic North Pole. While the Geographic North Pole is at the northernmost point of Earth's axis, the Magnetic North Pole is where Earth's magnetic field points vertically downward. These two poles do not coincide, and their positions are not fixed. The Magnetic North Pole, in particular, is known to It moves due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field.
One might overlook the fact that the geographic North Pole and the magnetic North Pole do not always occupy the same physical space. The magnetic North Pole It moves approximately 60 kilometers each year due to the movement of iron in the Earth's core, which can cause a disparity of several kilometers between True North and Magnetic North. Despite these fluctuations, they are insignificant when it comes to navigation, as the compass is not accurate enough to pinpoint the exact location of the North Pole.
"Magnetic declination" refers to the difference between the geographic North Pole and the magnetic pole, which can vary slightly depending on where each is located on Earth. In September 2019, The two poles were coincidentally located in exactly the same place for the first time in more than three and a half centuries. This event gained traction on social media due to the fact that the compasses at the Royal Observatory Greenwich were pointing toward True North instead of Magnetic North. The Royal Observatory Greenwich has a long history of studying the Earth's magnetic field, and its work is critical to understanding phenomena such as the magnetic declination.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about how a compass works and how to use it.
