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How does a magnetic compass work?

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Photo: Magnetic compasses are really easy to use, but it helps if you have a map as well so you know which direction is best to head for. Photo by Dominique M. Lasco courtesy of US Navy. Compasses you buy are a bit more sophisticated than floating needles but work essentially the same way. read more

A compass is an extremely simple device. A magnetic compass (as opposed to a gyroscopic compass) consists of a small, lightweight magnet balanced on a nearly frictionless pivot point. The magnet is generally called a needle. read more

A compass needle aligns itself and points toward the top of Earth's magnetic field, giving explorers and lost souls a consistent sense of direction. How it works A compass points north because all magnets have two poles, a north pole and a south pole, and the north pole of one magnet is attracted to the south pole of another magnet. read more

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