Magnetic declination, sometimes called magnetic variation, is the angle between magnetic north and true north. Declination is positive east of true north and negative when west.

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.

Jun 6, 2025 · What is Magnetic Variation? Magnetic variation is the angle between True North and Magnetic North. It varies depending on where you are on the Earth’s surface. Different locations will …

Magnetic declination is the direction and amount of variation between the Magnetic Pole and True North. The amount and direction of declination depends upon how those two poles align relative to a given …

The difference between true north and magnetic north is called magnetic declination or magnetic variation. Some sources also erroneously refer to it as magnetic deviation.

Dec 18, 2025 · Understanding magnetic variation—and how it’s applied in aviation—is critical for accurate navigation, situational awareness, and regulatory compliance. This article explains what …

Magnetic Variation (MAGVAR) is the angle difference between true north and magnetic north, affecting navigation and compass accuracy.

In more practical terms, magnetic variation, more often referred to as declination in non-aviation / non-nautical contexts, is the angle on the horizontal plane between magnetic north and true north.

Complex fluid motion in the outer core of the Earth (the molten metallic region that lies from 2800 to 5000 km below the Earth's surface) causes the magnetic field to change slowly with time. This …

The compass needle points to magnetic north rather than true north. The needle will point east of true north (easterly variation) or west of true north (westerly variation) since magnetic north and true north …