Compasses
Compasses are navigational instruments used to determine direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles. They consist of a magnetized needle or card that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field and is mounted on a pivot, allowing it to rotate freely. The compass is an essential tool for navigation at sea, allowing sailors to determine their heading and plot a course. There are several types of compasses used in maritime navigation, including the magnetic compass, gyrocompass, and fluxgate compass. The magnetic compass is the most commonly used and relies on the Earth's magnetic field to determine direction. The gyrocompass is more accurate and stable, using a spinning rotor to align with the Earth's rotation. The fluxgate compass uses electromagnetic sensors to detect changes in the Earth's magnetic field and determine direction.
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