[amsat-bb] Re: Magnetic North vs True North

[i8cvs]

----- Original Message -----
From: "Carl Rimmer W8KRF" <w8krf at w8krf.net>
To: <amsat-bb at 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