----- Original Message ----- From: "Carl Rimmer W8KRF" w8krf@w8krf.net To: amsat-bb@amsat.org Sent: Tuesday, September 06, 2011 7:38 PM Subject: [amsat-bb] Magnetic North vs True North
The earlier discussion on this topic caused me to think about my setup. I know the tracking programs use True North; my question: If my declination is 8 º 6' West, is my true north East or West of Magnetic North. I am currently setup to where my True North is 8º East of Magnetic North. I have looked a various sights on the Internet but I have always had a problem wrapping my thick brain around this topic.
Thanks, -- *Carl W8KRF*
Hi Carl, W8KRF
Using a simple magnetic compass I suggest you to look at the Magnetic North and then compare the above North position with that of the Pole Star that indicates the True North.
To find the Pole Star in the True North direction in a clear sky is very easy because the Pole Star elevation in the sky is equal to your Latitude.
With the above informations you can easily establish if your True North is 8º 6' East or West of Magnetic North.
FYI Magnetic declination, sometimes called magnetic variation, is the angle between magnetic north and true north. Declination is considered positive east of true north and negative when west.
Magnetic declination changes over time and with location.
73" de
i8CVS Domenico