Find Your True North YouTube

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Table of Contents

• What is True North?
• How to Find True North
• Why is True North Important?
• What is the Difference Between True North and Magnetic North?
• How Do You Use a Compass to Find True North?

What is True North?

True North is the direction pointing towards the Earth's geographic North Pole. It is the direction along the Earth's rotational axis and is represented by the north pole on a map. Unlike magnetic north, true north does not change and is constant. It is used as a reference point for navigation and mapping purposes.

How to Find True North

There are several ways to find true north:

Using the North Star (Polaris)

The North Star (Polaris) is a fixed point in the sky that is very close to true north. To find Polaris, locate the Big Dipper and look for the two stars that form the edge of the "bowl" opposite the handle. These stars are called the "pointer stars" because they point towards Polaris. Once you have located Polaris, draw an imaginary line from it towards the ground. This line will point towards true north.

Using a Compass

A compass is a navigational tool that uses the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction. To find true north with a compass, first, make sure the compass is adjusted for magnetic declination (the difference between true north and magnetic north). Then, hold the compass level and steady and turn the compass until the north end of the needle lines up with the "N" on the compass. The direction the "N" is pointing is true north.

Using a GPS

A GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system that can determine your location and direction. Some GPS devices have a compass feature that can show you the direction of true north.

Why is True North Important?

True north is important for navigation and mapping purposes. It provides a reference point for determining direction and location. It is also important for aviation, as pilots use true north as a reference point for navigation and to calculate wind direction and speed.

What is the Difference Between True North and Magnetic North?

Magnetic north is the direction towards the Earth's magnetic pole, which is different from true north. The Earth's magnetic field is created by the movement of molten iron in the Earth's core, and it is not aligned with the Earth's rotational axis. Magnetic north is constantly moving and can change over time. In contrast, true north is a fixed point along the Earth's rotational axis, and it does not change.

How Do You Use a Compass to Find True North?

To use a compass to find true north, follow these steps:

1. Adjust the compass for magnetic declination, which is the difference between magnetic north and true north. This can usually be done by turning the screw on the compass.
2. Hold the compass level and steady.
3. Turn the compass until the north end of the needle lines up with the "N" on the compass.
4. The direction the "N" is pointing is true north.

Conclusion

True north is the direction towards the Earth's geographic North Pole and is a fixed point along the Earth's rotational axis. It is important for navigation and mapping purposes, and is used as a reference point for determining direction and location. There are several ways to find true north, including using the North Star, a compass, or a GPS. Understanding the difference between true north and magnetic north is also important for navigation and mapping.