Calculating Magnetic 'Pole Shift' - DIY

I have, over the last few days, been monitoring (with the use of a compass) magnetic north.

I must say rather unscientifically as the fog here is so bad I can not get an accurate 'True north' position as I can not see Polaris (pole star).

I did notice some variation yesterday during the 'solar battering' we took - monitored on this thread:
Thread: Pole FLIP happening right now! LOOK!


The variation seemed to be a temporary move of magnetic north toward the west by a degree - but this could easily have been an error as (due to weather) I could not 'lock on' to 'true north'.

The weather here still sucks and one persons observations would be worthless anyway so I decided to post this!


Most people will be aware that 'Magnetic North' is slightly different to 'True North' - some will know that this 'declination' varies due to location - and a few will know that Magnetic Declination also varies over time.

How to calculate what your Magnetic Declination should be:

First of all you need to know your Geographical position.
This link allows you to enter your town and then gives your co-ordinates:
[link to www.getty.edu]


Write those co-ordinates down (Noting N/W or S/E) then go to this link and type them in:
[link to www.ngdc.noaa.gov]

Click - Compute Declination:
You will then see the value of your declination + the rate at which 'drift' occurs (usually a handful of 'minutes' per year)


Take your compass:
You can now set up your compass.
Move the N of the compass face and twist it so that it is 'your declination' (East or West as appropriate) from the centre of the compass body.

Find True North:
With a clear sky locate Polaris (The North Star) and point the compass body (not the needle) at Polaris and then lower carefully to the horizon in order to have the compass horizontal pointing 'true north'.
Find Polaris: [link to www.survivaltopics.com]


At this stage the needle should be pointing toward the N on the bezel/compass face that you set to your declination.

If it is, then breath easy - if you do not move the bezel again you can check each day/two just by pointing the compass body at Polaris (as above)

If not - work out how many degrees (calibrations around the compass bezel/face) out and in which direction (E/W) - and please post anomalies here - noting you location.

I wish I could tell you if my 'supposed' declination is the 'actual' declination but it's a 'pea-souper' here!


This could get interesting if we get several corroborating anomalies from different global locations!