magnetic declination

noun

1. the angle that a compass needle makes with the direction of the geographical north pole at any given point on the earth's surface Also calleddeclinationmagnetic variation

magnetic declination

1. The horizontal angle between the true geographic North Pole and the magnetic north pole, as figured from a specific point on the Earth.
2. Compare magnetic inclination

Example Sentences

Webb at once proceeded to take full magnetic declination, time and azimuth observations, Laseron recording for him.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1851 Lament, a Scotchman at Munich, found a decennial period in the daily range of magnetic declination.

From Project Gutenberg

This magnetic declination sorely perplexed Gilbert, as it did not fit in with his theory.

From Project Gutenberg

Shortly after the voyage of Columbus it was thought that the longitude of a place could be found from its magnetic declination.

From Project Gutenberg

A time-shot was successful, and observations were also taken for magnetic declination.

From Project Gutenberg