Fact of the Day: 25/01/2023
The compass is an ingenious invention that helps many navigate the world, but what is it and how does it really work? The compass was first invented in China around 200 B.C. (Interesting Engineering, section 2). Over time, it has improved and changed to become what it is now. According to National Geographic, even though it has come a long way, its basic mechanics are pretty much the same (par. 2). There is a small needle-like object in the middle of the compass that points north due to Earth’s magnetic pole pulling the needle that way. As people learned more about the world they also labeled the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West) around the compass. Compasses may not seem that useful, but imagine trying to explore a forest without knowing in which direction you are going and not having any landmarks to help. There are many inventions now that help with daily life, but the compass will forever be one of the greatest navigation aids ever created.
Reference(s):
- National Geographic: https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/compass
- Interesting Engineering: https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/35-inventions-that-changed-the-world
Fact Author: Bailey W.
Fact Editor: Ace
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