How Does A Compass Work?
A compass is an extremely simple device. The needle of a compass is a freely rotating magnet balanced on a nearly frictionless pivot point. The painted end is the north (magnetic) pole of the needle which is attracted by the weak magnetic field of the earth to allign itself in a northerly direction. The area to which it points is called the North Magnetic Pole which is close to, but not exactly at geographic North Pole.
The North Magnetic Pole has slowly changed position throughout history, roughly orbiting the actual pole and continues to do so. Interestingly, what we call Earth’s North Magnetic pole is actually a south pole magnetically. That is why the opposite (north) magnetic pole of the compass needle is drawn to it. Opposite poles attract, similar poles repel each other.
In operation, line the north symbol on the rim of the compass with the painted tip of the needle. The direction you are facing should now be displayed at the front of the compass.
