18,519
edits
Compass: Difference between revisions
From ScoutWiki, For Everyone, Everywhere involved with Scouting and Guiding...
m
Robot: Automated text replacement (-\[\[(West)\]\] +\1)
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-\[\[(Radio compass)\]\] +\1)) |
m (Robot: Automated text replacement (-\[\[(West)\]\] +\1)) |
||
| Line 4: | Line 4: | ||
[[Image:Compass in a wooden frame.jpg|thumb|Compass in a wooden box]] | [[Image:Compass in a wooden frame.jpg|thumb|Compass in a wooden box]] | ||
A '''compass''' (or '''mariner's compass''') is a navigational instrument for finding directions on the earth. It consists of a magnetized pointer free to align itself accurately with [[Earth's magnetic field|Earth]]'s [[magnetic field]], which is of great assistance in [[navigation]]. The [[cardinal points]] are [[north]], [[south]], [[east]] and | A '''compass''' (or '''mariner's compass''') is a navigational instrument for finding directions on the earth. It consists of a magnetized pointer free to align itself accurately with [[Earth's magnetic field|Earth]]'s [[magnetic field]], which is of great assistance in [[navigation]]. The [[cardinal points]] are [[north]], [[south]], [[east]] and west. A compass can be used in conjunction with a [[chronometer]] and a [[sextant]] to provide a very accurate [[navigation]] capability. This device greatly improved maritime trade by making travel safer and more efficient. An early form of compass was invented in China in the 11th century. The familiar mariner's compass was invented in Europe around 1300. | ||
More technically, a ''compass'' is a magnetic device using a needle to indicate the direction of the magnetic north of a planet's [[magnetosphere]]. Any [[Measuring instrument|instrument]] with a magnetized bar or needle turning freely upon a pivot and pointing in a [[north]]erly and [[south]]erly direction can be considered a compass. A '''compass dial''' is a small pocket compass with a [[sundial]]. A '''variation compass''' is a specific instrument of a delicate type of construction. It is used by observing variations of the needle. A [[gyrocompass]] or [[astrocompass]] can also be used to ascertain [[True north]]. | More technically, a ''compass'' is a magnetic device using a needle to indicate the direction of the magnetic north of a planet's [[magnetosphere]]. Any [[Measuring instrument|instrument]] with a magnetized bar or needle turning freely upon a pivot and pointing in a [[north]]erly and [[south]]erly direction can be considered a compass. A '''compass dial''' is a small pocket compass with a [[sundial]]. A '''variation compass''' is a specific instrument of a delicate type of construction. It is used by observing variations of the needle. A [[gyrocompass]] or [[astrocompass]] can also be used to ascertain [[True north]]. | ||
