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Your compass will always point to the earth's north magnetic pole. That spot is about

940 miles from the real north Pole.

Your compass only points to real north if you happen to be on the extension of the line

that joins the two spots. Anywhere else, your compass points to one side or the other

of the real north Pole.

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WILL The exact location where a compass points will ever change?

No, the exact location where a compass points (magnetic north) does not change. However, the magnetic poles themselves can shift over time due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field.


Why do compass needles not point to the earths geographic?

Compass needles do not point directly to the Earth's geographic North Pole because they align with the Earth's magnetic field, which is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core. The magnetic North Pole, where the magnetic field points vertically downwards, is located at a different position than the geographic North Pole. Additionally, the magnetic field is not uniform and can shift over time due to changes in the Earth's interior. This discrepancy leads to a difference between true north and magnetic north, known as magnetic declination.


Why do orienteering maps have magnetic North Pole instead of the true North Pole?

That is because the map is used with a magnetic compass. Since the needle on the compass points in the direction of magnetic north it is easier to use the map with the compass if the lines drawn on the map indicate magnetic north.


What is the difference between the magnetic North Pole and the North Pole?

Magnetic North is a location in the Arctic, so-called to distinguish that location from that of True North. True North is a fixed point which lies at the axis of rotation of the Earth. The location of Magnetic North is not fixed, but 'wanders' around the position of True North.As the north pole of a compass needle is attracted towards Magnetic North, the magnetic polarity at that location must be south. So, the Earth behaves as though it had an enormous 'bar magnet', deep within the earth, whose south pole corresponds to True North, and whose north pole corresponds to True South.


What happens when you are on the equator with a compass?

Well, at the Amunsden-Scott Station at the geographic south pole, your magnetic compass will point north, as the south magnetic pole is several thousands of km north of the spin pole. It lies well off the coast of Antarctica, which may be (very) roughly considered to be at 67.5oS. It is moving at a good clip in a northerly direction, as the molten rock masses in the interior of the Earth (which create the magnetic field) change shape and position.

Related Questions

Does a compass point to north only in winter?

Nope. It should point that way all the time unless you put a magnet near it and cause the needle to follow that magnet.


WILL The exact location where a compass points will ever change?

No, the exact location where a compass points (magnetic north) does not change. However, the magnetic poles themselves can shift over time due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field.


What direction does a compass always point?

Magnetic northNorth.In line with the earth's magnetic field.A way to remember the four directions on a compass is Never Eat Soggy Waffles or Never Eat Slimy Worms.magnetic north


Why does a compass needle not point to the geographic North Pole?

The Compass needle not points towards north when placed near iron objects or any magnetic substance(an object which is attracted by a magnet). Edit; Apart from the above, the molten core of the Earth induces circulating currents that place the North Magnetic Pole in Canada and not at the Geographic North Pole; and for that matter the South Pole similarly. It is both intriguing and fortunate that the Geographic and Magnetic Poles are so close together. Edit: It also has a problem pointing north if you're directly above either Magnetic pole.


What charactericof iron would make it a bad material for the housing around a compass?

Iron is a poor choice for a compass housing because it is easily magnetized, which can interfere with the compass needle's ability to point accurately to magnetic north. Iron is also prone to corrosion, which can affect the compass's functioning over time. Using non-magnetic and non-corrosive materials, such as brass or aluminum, would be more ideal for compass housings.


Why is True North called True North?

because it to differentiate between magnetic north and its self true north this is because every 12000 years or so the magnetic poles of the earth switch sides so if you were to use a compass it would point south as of next year some time. Also true north does actually change to but only in accordance to the movement of the earth and in any case stays roughly in the same direction true north and magnetic north are rarely if ever the same.


Why does the portable sundial need a compass?

The compass on a portable sundial helps the user align the sundial accurately north-south, which is crucial for it to give accurate time readings based on the sun's position. By pointing the sundial's gnomon (the part that casts a shadow) towards true north using the compass, the sundial can accurately indicate the time.


What is magnetic variation?

Magnetic variation is the angle between true north (the direction pointing to the North Pole) and magnetic north (the direction a compass needle points). It varies depending on location and changes over time due to shifts in the Earth's magnetic field. Pilots and navigators use magnetic variation to accurately navigate using a compass.


The phrase true as a needle to the Pole suggests that?

A compass needle can be trusted to always point in the same direction- the North (magnetic) Pole. It refers to someone that can always be trusted to do the same thing every time.


Why do compass needles not point to the earths geographic?

Compass needles do not point directly to the Earth's geographic North Pole because they align with the Earth's magnetic field, which is generated by the movement of molten iron in the outer core. The magnetic North Pole, where the magnetic field points vertically downwards, is located at a different position than the geographic North Pole. Additionally, the magnetic field is not uniform and can shift over time due to changes in the Earth's interior. This discrepancy leads to a difference between true north and magnetic north, known as magnetic declination.


A compass is a scientific instrument used to locate what?

A compass is a scientific instrument used to locate the north magnetic pole. The magnetic changes in the Earth's core make the north magnetic pole move over time.


Why a magnetic compass does not show the exact geographical poles?

A magnetic compass points towards the magnetic north pole, not the geographical north pole. The magnetic north pole is located slightly offset from the geographical north pole due to the Earth's magnetic field, which changes over time. Additionally, local magnetic variations can also affect the accuracy of a magnetic compass.