Magnetic Compass Research Paper

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Introduction In this research paper, two navigation instruments are discussed: the astrolabe and the magnetic compass. the magnetic compass was invented in China in 206 BC, and has since helped to quicken transportation. (Hirth 302) It has brought two important benefits: the voyages have become safer, and more vessels are able to sail in winter months when voyagers do not have the sun or bright stars to use for navigation (Cotter 301). In addition, the magnetic compass can be used at night and in any weather, unlike the astrolabe, because magnetic compasses rely on magnetic fields of the Earth rather than a visualization of the position of stars. The magnetic compass is superior at finding directions, but, unlike the astrolabe, it cannot…show more content…
Magnetic compasses can provide direction immediately, so the magnetic compass is simpler. Because the magnetic needle relies on the earth’s magnetic field, it always shows which way is north (Lane 128). Navigators can use a map with the direction provided by the magnetic compass to reach their destination. In contrast, the astrolabe cannot provide position directly. Navigators can use the astrolabe to measure the position of the Sun and the bright stars and combine the information from the metal plate for adjustable latitude (Figure4). Then, navigators can determine the latitude (Pope 391). As vessels maintain this latitude in fixed position, they can travel to the predetermined point. To conclude, both instruments have advantages and disadvantages. Magnetic compasses can provide direction information because they are controlled by the magnetic field. However, a magnetic compass cannot find out the measure position or latitude because the magnetic compass cannot measure the angle of elevation of the sun and bright stars. On the other hand, navigators need to study how to use the astrolabe and know how to find out the position of the bright stars and

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