How to Use A Compass
By: Amaela Bruce
Compasses: What You Need to Know
Compasses are a perfect way to find cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) or even find your way when you are lost. Before I show you how to use a compass, I'm going to tell a couple of things about compasses.
1. A compass always points north, no matter where you are
2. The compass's south pole (the red needle) is attracted to Earth's Magnetic North
Earth's Magnetic Field
The Magnetosphere, the dark blue is the shield that protects us from charged particles , that could kill us. The inner part is called the Earth's Magnetic Field is formed because the inner core spinning faster then the outer core which makes flowing molten iron in the outer core and the Earth's magnetic field act like a giant magnetic. The Earth's Magnetic North is always North and the Earth's Magnetic South is always South.
How A Compass Works
How a compass works is very simple, the southern point of the compass needle (the red part) is attracted to Earth's Magnetic North. Which makes the red part of the compass's needle always point to Earth's Magnetic North. It always points to North, making it reliable in finding the other cardinal directions (South, East, and West) or other directions for that matter.
Basic Parts of A Compass
Let's talk about the 5 basic parts of a compass
1. Compass needle- red part always shows where North is
2. Compass Housing- the turn able part of the compass
3. Direction of travel arrow- the line that shows what direction you would travel
4. Orienting arrow-the area the compass needle should end up in.
5. Orienting lines- the lines on the compass housing showing the degrees
Video on How to Use a Compass
Compass 101 - How to Use a Baseplate Compass
Written Directions on How to Use a Compass
Step 1.
1. Put red Fred in the shed, ( find north).
Step 2.
turn the compass housing (dial) until the direction you want to go is facing the direction of go arrow.
Step 3.
3. While keeping "Red Fred in the shed" look for a reference point (something like a rock,tree etc.) that is in the direction that you want to go
Step 4
Once you have gotten to the place pick another reference point and walk to it.
Step 5
Do step 4 until you gotten to the place you want to go.
Step 6
Enjoy the place you chose!