answersLogoWhite

0

Because that's the direction a magnetic compass points to.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

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.


A way to find the variation from true north?

To find the variation from true north, you can use a magnetic compass to determine the magnetic north and then calculate the angle between the magnetic north and the true north. This angle is known as the magnetic declination or variation. Many maps and GPS devices provide information about the current magnetic declination in a specific location.


Why magnetic north is used for most navigation purposes in an aircraft and not true north?

Magnetic north is used in aircraft navigation because it aligns with the Earth's magnetic field, making it easier to use magnetic compasses for navigation. True north, on the other hand, is the direction towards the geographic North Pole, but due to the Earth's magnetic field shifting over time, magnetic north provides a more reliable point of reference for navigation.


What is north-seeking pole?

It is magnetic north (not geographical north), which is the north on a magnetic compass.


Where is magnetic north?

'Magnetic North' and 'Magnetic South' are locationsrelatively close to 'True North' and 'True South' which mark the earth's axis of rotation. The terms 'Magnetic North' and 'Magnetic South' are used to differentiate their locations from those of 'True North' and 'True South'. They have absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with the magnetic polarities of these locations. In fact, the magnetic polarity of 'Magnetic North' is a south pole, and the magnetic polarity of 'Magnetic South' is a north pole. This is why the earth's magnetic field leaves at 'Magnetic South' and enters at 'Magnetic North', causing a compass needle to point along the lines of magnetic flux towards 'Magnetic North'.

Related Questions

How do people use a magnetic compass?

People use a magnetic compass to determine the direction of magnetic north. By aligning the compass needle with the Earth's magnetic field, users can find their orientation in relation to the cardinal directions - north, south, east, and west. This is a valuable tool for navigation, hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.


What is the needle use for?

To point to magnetic north.


In what direction should I use the figure to determine the north magnetic field?

To determine the north magnetic field, use the figure in the direction indicated by the compass needle.


What is the difference between the North Pole and the magnetic North Pole, and how do their respective locations impact navigation and compass use?

The North Pole is the geographic point at the top of the Earth, while the magnetic North Pole is where the Earth's magnetic field points vertically downwards. The magnetic North Pole is located slightly off from the geographic North Pole. This difference can affect navigation and compass use because compasses point towards the magnetic North Pole, not the geographic North Pole. This can lead to discrepancies in navigation, especially in areas close to the magnetic North Pole.


Does a compass point true north magnetic north or at the north pole?

North Star points at True North, you can use a compass and north star to see how far off magnetic north is from your location. .


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.


A way to find the variation from true north?

To find the variation from true north, you can use a magnetic compass to determine the magnetic north and then calculate the angle between the magnetic north and the true north. This angle is known as the magnetic declination or variation. Many maps and GPS devices provide information about the current magnetic declination in a specific location.


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.


Why magnetic north is used for most navigation purposes in an aircraft and not true north?

Magnetic north is used in aircraft navigation because it aligns with the Earth's magnetic field, making it easier to use magnetic compasses for navigation. True north, on the other hand, is the direction towards the geographic North Pole, but due to the Earth's magnetic field shifting over time, magnetic north provides a more reliable point of reference for navigation.


Compasses always point toward geographic south?

No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.No. If you are talking about magnetic compasses, they are aligned with the Earth's magnetic field, which is not exactly north-south (depending where on the Earth you are located). There are, however, special compasses that make use of the Earth's rotation; those will point north-south, regardless of the magnetic field.


How is the earths magnetic field used for navigation?

Compasses use the magnetic field to navigate always pointing North.


What is north-seeking pole?

It is magnetic north (not geographical north), which is the north on a magnetic compass.