None of this would be possible without the aid of the compass in performing navigation calculations over long distances. Early explorers had to use local landmarks and the stars to navigate. This made it very difficult to travel to far or unknown destinations. Compasses were one of the key breakthroughs that made such voyages a reality. So how does a compass work?
The first step is to turn the needle into a magnet. The easiest way to do this is with another magnet -- stroke the magnet along the needle 10 or 20 times as shown below. If you are having trouble finding a magnet around the house, two possible sources include a can opener and an electromagnet that you make yourself see How Electromagnets Work. The "float on water" technique is an easy way to create a nearly frictionless bearing. Center your magnetic needle on the float.
It very slowly will point toward north. You have created a compass! A magnetic compass like the one created on the previous page has several problems when used on moving platforms like ships and airplanes. It must be level, and it tends to correct itself rather slowly when the platform turns. Because of this tendency, most ships and airplanes use gyroscopic compasses instead.
A spinning gyroscope , if supported in a gimbaled frame and spun up, will maintain the direction it is pointing toward even if the frame moves or rotates. In a gyrocompass, this tendency is used to emulate a magnetic compass. At the start of the trip, the axis of the gyrocompass is pointed toward north using a magnetic compass as a reference.
A motor inside the gyrocompass keeps the gyroscope spinning, so the gyrocompass will continue pointing toward north and will adjust itself swiftly and accurately even if the boat is in rough seas or the plane hits turbulence. Periodically, the gyrocompass is checked against the magnetic compass to correct any error it might pick up.
For more information on compasses, navigation and related topics, check out the links on the next page. Sign up for our Newsletter! Over the last century, it has shifted more than miles 1, kilometers toward Siberia, according to scientists at Oregon State University. This difference between true north and the north heading on a compass is an angle called declination. Declination varies from place to place because the Earth's magnetic field is not uniform it dips and undulates. These local disturbances in the field can cause a compass needle to point away from both the geographic North Pole and the magnetic North Pole.
Ask a friend or family member to hide a secret treasure somewhere nearby, and then have them give you directions to it using numbers of steps in certain directions. Use your compass to find the hidden treasure! Take turns hiding the treasure and using the compass to find it. Up for a challenge?
Why not make your very own Homemade Compass? Just jump online to read through the easy-to-follow instructions. You'll need a few simple supplies. Be sure to get help from an adult friend or family member. Share your experience with others and have fun!
Did you get it? Test your knowledge. What are you wondering? Wonder Words north trail wild guide true drawn direction location compass pivot satellite magnetic declination purposefully effortlessly geographic navigating disturbance Take the Wonder Word Challenge. Join the Discussion. Mar 25, Plagued Paradox Dec 9, Is this a real person answering comments or a bot? But otherwise I liked this article. Dec 11, Mason Nov 15, Nov 15, This is pretty cool my cousin liked this article too!
Nov 11, We're glad you two liked this Wonder! Would you use a real compass out in the woods? Nov 4, We agree, mason! Absolutely magnetic! Devin Oct 2, Oct 3, Hi Devin! Have you used a compass before? I have used a compass before when I was hiking.
Riley smith Sep 17, Sep 18, That's great, Riley! Thanks for sharing! Sep 16, Were you able to navigate during your hike? Dec 10, Thanks, some dude! Have you ever used a compass? Max May 18, May 22, Keegbob Jan 19, Hiya dude!!!!!!
Jan 20, Keegbob Jan 20, Jan 23, Keegbob Jan 24, Jan 25, Awesome, Rowan! We are so glad that you liked it and that you let us know! William Jan 18, Thank you because I am excited to chat and sing. I have seen the "Do You Karaoke? Thx for commenting! William Feb 9, I hadn't commented in a long time so Hi and I hope you guys love this!
Feb 10, Welcome back, William! Great to hear from you again! Jan 19, No problem, William! Yes, I saw animals like deer and birds and other things. Very cool, William! We bet that was a great trip. Thanks for responding to us! William Jan 17, I love commenting so comment to me everyday! I went camping and had a compass.
0コメント