How does a magnetic compass work? Well, it’s all down to basic physics and human ingenuity. The key component of a standard baseplate compass is its magnetized needle, which is allowed to spin freely ...

The compass—oldest known navigating instrument—has been revolutionized. Last week Bendix Aviation Corp. announced a new automatic compass that makes the old magnetic needle* look as obsolete as a ...

Since its first documented use by the Chinese centuries ago, the magnetic compass has guided countless sailors safely across the seas. Though the compass allowed for the advent of modern navigation, ...

A WRITER in the North China Herald of Shanghai devotes a learned article to detailing and discussing the facts regarding the claim of the Chinese to have invented the mariner's compass. They did not ...

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more. Divie Bethune McCartee (1820-1900) ...

Not only migratory birds use a built-in magnetic compass to navigate correctly. A new study shows that non-migratory birds also are able to use a built-in compass to orient themselves using the ...

Most people assume a compass will behave perfectly, no matter where you take it, but the magnetic pole is a bit of a troublemaker. The rules you rely on everywhere else on the planet start to wobble ...