how does a magnetic variation work and also wat do u call a house pointing north
2006-08-26 20:56:39 · 3 answers · asked by {««мα∂gυу»»} 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
Magnetic variation (also known as magnetic declination) can be determined by calculating the angle between true north (the north you find on a map for navigational purposes) and the north that a compass points to. The two points are different because the magnetic north that a compass points to is slowly moving northwest each year.
Here is how it works and is used: Let's say that you're on a ship that is travelling down the east coast. Because your compass is pointing to magnetic north, not true north, the accuracy of your navigation will be a little off. So, you must figure out the magnetic declination - the angle between magnetic north and true north from the place you are at - to adjust your calculations so that they are accurate. As you travel down the coast, you will have to figure out the magnetic declination often and adjust the compass because your location has changed, and if your location has changed, the declination has, too. In Maine, it is 20 degrees west, and in Florida, it is zero.
You can get a better grasp at this concept by looking at a world map. Choose a place on the map that will represent where you are. Then, locate the north pole. Next, choose a spot somewhere to the west of the north pole. This will represent magnetic north, just for this purpose. Now, look at the place on the map that represents where you are. If you drew two lines, one from the magnetic north point and the other from the north pole, to your spot, you will get a specific angle. Now, move to another spot, and do the same thing. You will see that the angle, or the magnetic variation, changes. Navigators will use this data to adjust their compasses so that they can get an accurate bearing.
About the house pointing north.. yeah, dunno about that one.
Hope this helps! Check out the Wikipedia article below for more information. Fair winds!
2006-08-26 21:00:12 · answer #1 · answered by Cap'n Eridani 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes its really worderful .u can wonder about this world many years and enjoy that.
good luck
2006-08-26 21:42:54 · answer #2 · answered by merdad b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What kind of question is this?? I've no idea
2006-08-26 20:59:16 · answer #3 · answered by Ya-sai 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋