magnetic declination

Also known as magnetic variation, variation, declination, northeasting of the needle

angle on the horizontal plane between magnetic north and true north

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Image: Kurzgefaßte Geschichte und Beschreibung der Uferbauwerke auf der Insel Neuwerk. 1826 Karte Seite 36 Windrose.png

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Article

Example of magnetic declination showing a compass needle with a "positive" (or "easterly") variation from geographic north. Ng is geographic or true north, Nm is magnetic north, and δ is magnetic declination.

Magnetic declination (also called magnetic variation) is the angle between magnetic north and true north at a particular location on the Earth's surface. The angle can change over time due to polar wandering.