1. What is Magnetic Declination?

Magnetic declination is the angle between magnetic north (the direction a compass needle points) and true north (the direction along the Earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole). This angle varies depending on your location on Earth and changes over time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the declination formula:

Where:

• \( Magnetic\;North \) — The direction indicated by a compass needle (degrees)
• \( True\;North \) — The geographic North Pole direction (degrees)
• \( Declination \) — The angular difference between magnetic and true north (degrees)

Explanation: Positive declination means magnetic north is east of true north, while negative declination means magnetic north is west of true north.

3. Importance of Magnetic Declination

Details: Understanding magnetic declination is crucial for accurate navigation, especially in wilderness areas, aviation, and marine navigation. Failure to account for declination can lead to significant navigation errors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both magnetic north and true north values in degrees (0-360). The calculator will compute the declination angle. Ensure values are within valid range for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does magnetic declination vary by location?
A: The Earth's magnetic field is not uniform and changes based on geographic location due to variations in the Earth's core and crustal magnetic anomalies.

Q2: How often does magnetic declination change?
A: Magnetic declination changes gradually over time, typically a few minutes of arc per year, but this rate varies by location.

Q3: What is the difference between east and west declination?
A: East declination means compass north is east of true north, while west declination means compass north is west of true north.

Q4: How do I find the current declination for my location?
A: You can use online tools from geological surveys or specialized navigation apps that provide current declination values based on GPS coordinates.

Q5: Is magnetic declination the same worldwide?
A: No, magnetic declination varies significantly across the globe and can range from -20° to +20° or more depending on location.