Compasses use the magnetic field to navigate always pointing North.
the earths magnetic signature is a negative polarity signature
Navigation ! Even though we have GPS systems - a compass is ONLY reliant on the magnetic field of the earth. An electro-magnetic pulse could knock out ALL the GPS satellites - yet the earth's magnetic field will always be here !
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A compass is an instrument containing a freely suspended magnetic element which displays the direction of the horizontal component of the Earth's magnetic field at the point of observation.
The pull of the magnet will over ride the earths magnetism. So the compass will react to the magnet as it passes through its field.
When you sail with a magnetized needle, it will point towards the magnetic north pole. This is because the needle aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, which is used for navigation purposes.
The function of a magnetic compass is to show the direction toward the magnetic poles of the Earth. It is used as a navigation tool.
A freely suspended magnet responds to the magnetic field of the planet Earth. The Earth's magnetic north pole is close to its geographic north pole, so a compass points (approximately) north.
A magnetic field is the invisible field of magnetic force that is exerted on substances that are sensitive to magnetism. Magnetic fields have been studied by scientists and are used in applications such as compasses and MRI equipment.
It was discovered in the stone age. Magnetic stones 'Lodestones' were used for navigation for years.
The invisible lines of the magnetic field travel in a closed, continuous loop, flowing into Earth at the north magnetic pole and out at the south magnetic pole. The solar wind compresses the field's shape on Earth's Sun-facing side, and stretches it into a long tail on the night-facing side
One of the ways you can detect the presence of a magnetic field is by the use of a magnetic proximity sensor. They are non-contact proximity devices that are used to detect magnetic objects.