Explorers have used compasses to help them navigate and explore the world for over 2,000 years! A compass uses magnetism to help people navigate their way through water, over land, and while flying. If you have seen one, you know that its needle always points north. A compass is made of a magnetic needle mounted on a dial in a way that allows it to move in a complete circle.
Designed by God: How Earth’s Magnetism Points Us North
Like any other magnet, the compass needle has a north pole and a south pole. The north pole of a magnet is always attracted to a magnetic south pole. Have you seen a bar magnet? The needle of a compass works the same way. If another magnetic force is around, the needle will pull toward it. But why does the compass point to the north when no other magnets are around?
To learn more about magnetism and to build a compass at home, click here!