The Geographic North Pole is fixed at 90° North latitude, representing the point where Earth's rotation axis intersects the surface. The Magnetic North Pole, however, is the point where Earth's magnetic field lines point vertically downward, and it moves over time due to changes in Earth's magnetic field. This difference creates magnetic declination - the angle between true north and magnetic north - which varies by location and time.
This world map shows the complete historical path of the Magnetic North Pole from 1590 to 2024. The trajectory is color-coded to show the time period, with blue representing the earliest positions (1590s) and red representing the most recent positions (2020s).
This interactive globe shows the direction lines from your selected location to both Geographic North and Magnetic North. Rotate the globe to see how these directions differ from various points on Earth.
Calculate the magnetic declination for any location on Earth for any year between 1590 and 2024. The declination is the angle between true north (geographic) and magnetic north as observed from your location.
Earth's magnetic field is generated by the motion of molten iron in the outer core, a process known as the geodynamo. This creates a magnetic field that extends from the Earth's interior out into space, protecting us from solar radiation.
The field is not static - it changes over time due to complex flows in the outer core. These changes cause the magnetic poles to move, and over geological time scales, can even cause complete polarity reversals where the north and south magnetic poles switch positions.
The rate of movement of the Magnetic North Pole has accelerated from about 15 km per year in the 1990s to around 55 km per year in recent times. This acceleration is believed to be due to changes in the flow of liquid iron in Earth's core.
The World Magnetic Model (WMM) is the standard model used by the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.K. Ministry of Defence, NATO, and the International Hydrographic Organization for navigation, attitude, and heading referencing systems.
The WMM is typically updated every five years, but rapid changes in Earth's magnetic field sometimes necessitate more frequent updates. The model provides declination, inclination, and total field intensity values for any point on Earth's surface.
Another important model is the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF), which is updated every five years by the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy. It provides a standardized representation of Earth's main magnetic field.
This table shows the complete historical record of magnetic declinations at the reference point where the Prime Meridian meets the Equator (0° latitude, 0° longitude). The data spans from 1590 to 2024, showing how magnetic declination has changed over time at this significant geographical reference point.
| Year | Declination | Annual Change | Historical Context |
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