Before we start, did you know that the word “compass” comes from an old Arabic word that means the one that leads to the north a>?
So if you use a compass in the southern hemisphere, you’ll be heading north! Well, actually, that’s not entirely true.
But don’t worry, I’m going to explain everything you need to know to use a compass correctly in the southern hemisphere!
How does the compass work in the southern hemisphere?
Well, first we need to understand how a compass works in general.
The compass is an instrument used to determine direction.
It has a needle that always points towards the North Magnetic Pole, which is a point on planet Earth where Earth’s magnetism is stronger.
But here comes the interesting thing!
In the southern hemisphere, the North Magnetic Pole is located further south.
That means that, in the southern hemisphere, the compass needle rotates around the South Magnetic Pole!
So, if you are in the southern hemisphere and you use a compass, the needle will be pointing towards magnetic north , not towards the geographic north.
This is important to keep in mind!
Why does the compass needle rotate around the South Magnetic Pole in the southern hemisphere?
Well, that’s due to Earth’s magnetism.
Have you heard about the Earth’s magnetic field?
It is a kind of invisible force that surrounds the planet and protects it from dangerous particles in space.
It’s like a big shield!
The Earth’s magnetic field has two poles
The Earth’s magnetic field has two poles: the North Magnetic Pole and the South Magnetic Pole.
- When you are in the northern hemisphere, the Earth’s magnetism is strongest near the North Magnetic Pole, so the compass needle is attracted to it and points north.
- But when you are in the southern hemisphere, the Earth’s magnetism is strongest near the South Magnetic Pole, so the compass needle is attracted to it and points south.
It’s a little confusing at first, but it’s important to remember that the compass always points towards the nearest magnetic pole!
What is the difference between the North Magnetic Pole and the South Magnetic Pole?
Well, we already know that the North Magnetic Pole is located in the northern hemisphere and the South Magnetic Pole is located in the southern hemisphere.
But is there any other difference between them?
Yes, there is actually an important difference.
- The North Magnetic Pole is located in a place very close to the Geographic North Pole, which is the northernmost point of the planet Earth.
- But the South Magnetic Pole is located much further south than the Geographic South Pole, which is the southernmost point on the planet.
That means the North Magnetic Pole is closer to where we live than the South Magnetic Pole!
Determine the direction in the southern hemisphere:
Well, it’s very easy.
- The first thing you need to do is take out your compass and make sure the needle is moving freely.
- Then, hold the compass with both hands and keep it level with the ground.
- Make sure the round part of the compass is facing up and the needle is pointing down.
- Now, look at the direction scale on the round part of the compass.
The direction scale shows you which direction you are pointing.
Geographic north is at the top of the scale, geographic south is at the bottom, east is on the right, and west is on the left.
Effects of terrestrial magnetism in the southern hemisphere:
As I already mentioned, Earth’s magnetism is what causes the compass needle to rotate around the South Magnetic Pole in the southern hemisphere.
But it is important to keep in mind that Earth’s magnetism is not always the same everywhere.
In some areas, the Earth’s magnetism is stronger and in others it is weaker.
This may affect how the compass works in those areas.
- For example, if you are in an area with weaker Earth magnetism, the compass needle may not rotate as easily around the South Magnetic Pole.
- This could cause the compass to not work as well and show incorrect directions.
- On the other hand, if you are in an area with stronger Earth magnetism, the compass needle could rotate too easily around the South Magnetic Pole.
- This could make the compass very sensitive and show small variations in directions.
This is important to keep in mind when using a compass in the southern hemisphere, especially if you are in an area where the Earth’s magnetism is weak or abnormally strong.
Magnetic declination in the southern hemisphere
Magnetic declination is the difference between the direction of the Magnetic North Pole and the direction of the Geographic North Pole.
In some areas of the southern hemisphere, the magnetic declination can be very large and this can affect how the compass works.
For example, if you are in an area with a very large magnetic declination to the east, the compass needle could point very far from geographic north.
This could cause the compass to show incorrect directions.
To compensate for magnetic declination when using a compass in the southern hemisphere, you can adjust the direction scale on the round part of the compass.
Adjust the compass to correct magnetic declination
Many compasses have a small wheel or lever that can be moved to adjust the direction scale.
By moving the wheel or lever to the right or left, you can compensate for magnetic declination and ensure that the compass shows the correct directions.
Effects of altitude on the compass
Altitude can also affect how the compass works in the southern hemisphere.
As you rise in sea level, the strength of the Earth’s magnetism decreases.
This can cause the compass needle to not rotate as easily around the South Magnetic Pole and show incorrect directions.
Therefore, if you are using a compass in the southern hemisphere in a high altitude area, such as in the mountains, it is important to take this effect into account and adjust the compass accordingly.
Adjust the altitude scale of the compass
Some compasses have an altitude scale that can be used to compensate for this.
If your compass does not have this scale, you can use an altitude correction table to adjust the compass manually.
Get your bearings with a topographic map in the southern hemisphere
- Well, first you need to find your location on the topographic map.
- Then, take out your compass and determine which direction you are pointing.
- If you want to go to a specific place on the map, simply find that place and point towards it with the compass.
- For example, if you want to go to Mount Everest, find Mount Everest on the topographic map and then point towards it with the compass. Ready!
Now you know which direction you have to go to reach Mount Everest.
Mistakes to avoid with the compass in the southern hemisphere
There are some common mistakes you should avoid when using a compass in the Southern Hemisphere:
- Not holding the compass level with the ground: If you do not hold the compass level with the ground, the needle may not rotate freely and may show incorrect directions.
- Failure to account for magnetic declination: If you do not adjust the direction scale to compensate for magnetic declination, the compass may display incorrect directions.
- Not taking into account Earth’s magnetism: If you are in an area with very weak or very strong Earth’s magnetism, the compass may not work as well and show incorrect directions.
- Not taking altitude into account: If you are in a high altitude area, the compass may not work as well and show incorrect directions. Be sure to adjust your compass to compensate for this.
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Tips for adverse conditions
If you are using a compass in adverse conditions, such as in the desert or snow, it is important to keep a few things in mind to ensure that the compass works as well as possible:
- Protect the compass from sand and dust: If you are in the desert, be sure to protect the compass from sand and dust so that the needle can rotate freely.
- Wear warm, dry clothing: If you are in the snow, be sure to wear warm, dry clothing to prevent your hands from freezing and not being able to hold the compass easily.
- Keep the compass away from heat sources: If you are in the desert, be sure to keep the compass away from heat sources, such as direct sun, to prevent damage.
- Make sure you have a topographic map: It is always a good idea to carry a topographic map with you, especially if you are in adverse conditions