Which way?
Which way are you going? A compass can tell you. A compass is a box with
a magnetic pointer or needle that turns. The marked end of the needle
always points north. Why? Because it is pulled by a larger magnet—the
earth. The earth is a giant magnet. One end is near the North Pole and
the other end is near the South Pole. And the north-seeking end of a
magnetic needle always points toward the north magnetic pole.
If you want to go east, hold the compass level until the needle stops
moving. Then turn the compass case until N, or north, is under the
marked end of the needle. Face north and turn to your right—that’s
east.
You can use the sun as a direction-finder, too. The sun rises close to
the east and sets close to the west. F ace the rising sun and lift your
left arm straight out from your side. You will be pointing nearly north.
If you face the setting sun, your left arm will be pointing nearly
south. And, at about noon, if you live in the Northern Hemisphere (North
America, Europe, or Asia), your shadow will point north. If you live in
the Southern Hemisphere (Australia, South America, or southern Africa),
your shadow will point south.
On a clear night, you can use the stars to find north. In the Northern
Hemisphere, look for the Big Dipper. Find the two pointer stars in the
side of the cup. These two stars always point to the North Star, at the
tip of the handle of the Little Dipper. The North Star is always in the
northern part of the sky, directly over the North Pole.
In the Southern Hemisphere, look for the Southern Cross. The two stars
in the longer bar always point south.
Things needed to make a compass
magnet
straight pin or needle
piece of cork about 1 inch (1 centimeter) wide by Vi inch (1
centimeter) thickbowl or saucer of water
Rub one end of the pin along the magnet about twelve times. Rub in one
direction only. Don’t rub back and forth. Lift the pin up each time.
Place the pin on the cork. Gently place the cork in the bowl of water.
At first, the pin and cork will swing around. Then the pin will point
steadily in one direction. It points along the magnetic line between the
earth’s North and South poles.
