Compass 101: Magnetic North vs True North

Everyone who held a compass for the first time asked the same question: "Why doesn't the needle point exactly north?" The answer relates to the fundamental difference between magnetic north and true north — and why it's important to know it.

True North (Geographic North) is the point where Earth's axis of rotation meets the surface on the northern side. It's fixed, and all maps are based on it. When you see longitude lines on a map — they run toward true north.

Magnetic North is where the compass needle points. It's determined by Earth's magnetic field, generated by currents in the liquid core. The problem? The core moves. Magnetic North wanders about 55 km per year, and currently sits somewhere in the Arctic Ocean — not exactly at the North Pole.

The difference between true and magnetic north is called "declination." In Israel, the current declination is about 5° east — meaning the needle points slightly right of true north. That sounds small, but over a kilometer, 5° equals a deviation of about 87 meters.

The difference between magnetic and true north isn't trivia — it's practical knowledge that affects every azimuth you take. Once you understand the concept, the compass transforms from a confusing tool to a reliable guide.