The difference between true north and magnetic north is called magnetic declination or variation. True north, or geographic north, is the northernmost point on Earth. It’s where all longitude lines meet at the Earth’s axis. On the other hand, Magnetic north is where a compass needle points. The Earth’s magnetic field influences it, and the magnetic north pole moves over time.
Magnetic declination is the angle between true north and magnetic north. This angle varies depending on your location and changes over time. For example, along the U.S. east coast, magnetic declination ranges from 16 degrees west in Maine to 6 degrees in Florida. In Louisiana, it’s 0 degrees, while in Texas, it’s 4 degrees east.
Understanding true and magnetic north is vital for outdoor enthusiasts and navigators. Just as primary and secondary succession shape ecosystems, true and magnetic north shape our navigation.

Variation Across Different Locations
The difference between magnetic and true north isn’t constant. It varies widely across the globe. In London, UK, the declination was 1 degree west in 2014 but reduced to zero by 2020. Near the poles, changes can be more dramatic. In Ivujivik, close to the North Pole, declination changes by 1 degree every three years!
Interestingly, celestial bodies like stars and planets play a crucial role in navigation, especially when dealing with magnetic variations.
The Shifting Nature of Magnetic North
I’ve always been fascinated by our planet’s dynamic nature. The magnetic pole shift is a great example of Earth’s constant change. Unlike true north, magnetic north moves around.
The Earth’s magnetic field is not aligned with its rotational axis. It’s about 11 degrees off. This means magnetic north is always on the move. Right now, it’s near Ellesmere Island in the Canadian Arctic.
But it’s not staying in one place. The north magnetic pole is moving towards Russia at a rate of about 55 kilometers per year.

This movement has big effects. For example, navigators and outdoor enthusiasts must update their compasses often. The declination value changes yearly because of Earth’s magnetic field’s irregularity. In Perth, the declination is almost 0°, but in eastern Australia, it can be up to 12°.
Interestingly, magnetic compasses at Greenwich in the UK recently pointed directly at the north geographic pole for the first time in 360 years. This is a rare event. The average rate of change in declination around Greenwich is about 0.19° per year, which is about 20km per year.

Modern Navigation Tools and Technologies
Modern tech has changed navigation a lot. GPS and satellite systems are now key for ships and planes. But, I always carry a paper map and compass as a backup. Many GPS apps offer auto-corrected compasses and real-time tracking, making navigation better.
For pilots and sailors, knowing magnetic and true north is essential. Air traffic control gives headings based on the aircraft’s ground track. Sailors use GPS for exact location data. These tools have made navigation and finding waypoints much more accurate.