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Still got it.
Despite the existence of satellite navigation
systems, the magnetic compass is still in use.
GPS
(Global Position Systems) can augment
navigation with map and compass, but by no
means replace it.
In addition to its independence from any energy
supply or electronics, determining your heading
with a compass is a lot faster and more precise
than using a GPS device.
The compass needle...
...is a magnet mounted in a way that lets it move
easily. Its red end is the north pole, as you can see
from the fact that it is attracted to the south pole
of the bar magnet. So its white end must be the
south pole.
Apart from the traditional needle shape, the
pointer can also take the shape of a complete disk
or, in a ship's compass, even the shape of a
ball. Around the needle, you usually find
an angle scale with compass points
indicating cardinal directions such
as north and south. You can
rotate this scale so that the
north pole of the compass
needle actually points to "N"
(north). That way, it's easy to see
exactly where the other
directions lie.
Compass |
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History
The compass is one of those
inventions whose original
creator is lost in the mists of
time. Around 100 AD, the
Chinese had a magnetic ladle
with a handle that always
pointed to the south. But it
wasn't until 900 years later
that they used a compass
needle to find their direction
on the sea.
In Europe, the ship's compass
with needle and compass rose
was only introduced about
600 years ago — with far-
reaching consequences. This
is what enabled brave
European seafarers to venture
out onto the open ocean. The
age of exploration had begun,
and Christopher Columbus
crossed the Atlantic and
sailed to America.
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