Which direction does the compass point to the South Pole?

Because geomagnetism has declination angle, it will point in one direction instead of turning around; At the South Pole, however, there is only one direction that is north. So the compass points north.

The angle between the magnetic meridian circle at any point on the earth's surface and the geographical meridian circle is the magnetic declination. The magnetic declination is not constant in the same place, and the magnetic declination measured in the morning and evening is slightly different every day. Magnetic declination has the characteristics of long-term variation and periodic variation.

Meteorological conditions also have a great influence on the magnetic declination, especially in lightning weather. Magnetic declination is greatly influenced by geomagnetic environment. Due to the characteristics of geomagnetism, magnetic meridian is complex and non-parallel. The longer the straight line, the greater the error.

In the Tang Dynasty, Kan Yujia's activities were quite active, and he began to emphasize the choice of direction. It is urgent to find a more convenient pointing device than a magnetic spoon. So the iron pointer and floating magnetic needle in the shape of iron guide fish or tadpole came into being.

Compass is the result of China ancient working people's understanding of magnet magnetism in long-term practice. As one of four great inventions of ancient china, its invention has played an inestimable role in the development of human science, technology and civilization. In ancient China, the compass was first used for rituals, etiquette, military affairs and divination, and to determine the orientation when looking at geomantic omen.