Question

I understand it is a popular misconception that a magnetic compass points to the magnetic north pole.

In fact a magnetic compass aligns itself with the magnetic lines of force in its own location.

Here in the UK these lines of force seem to coincide very closely with the actual physical direction of magnetic north so is a poor example when trying to explain the popular misconception.

Please can anyone advise me of a location where the physical direction of the magnetic north pole varies considerably with the compass.

Thanks

Mike

Answer 1

http://www.geo-orbit.org/sizepgs/magmapsp.html

Here in North America: Boston, Los Angeles Harbor, Adak Alaska.

Other charts are available, see the links at the top.