1. What Is Magnetic Variation?

Magnetic variation (also called magnetic declination) is the angle between true north and magnetic north at a particular location. This difference occurs because the Earth's magnetic north pole is not aligned with its geographic north pole, and varies by location and time.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental variation formula:

Where:

• \( True\_Heading \) — Direction relative to true north (degrees)
• \( Magnetic\_Heading \) — Direction relative to magnetic north (degrees)
• \( Variation \) — Magnetic variation (degrees)

Explanation: Positive variation indicates east variation (magnetic north is east of true north), while negative variation indicates west variation (magnetic north is west of true north).

3. Importance Of Variation Calculation

Details: Accurate variation calculation is crucial for navigation, aviation, and maritime operations. It ensures proper course plotting and prevents navigation errors that could lead to significant deviations from intended routes.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter true heading and magnetic heading in degrees (0-360). The calculator will compute the variation and display it in degrees. Positive values indicate east variation, negative values indicate west variation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between variation and deviation?
A: Variation is the angle between true north and magnetic north, while deviation is the error caused by magnetic influences within the vessel or aircraft itself.

Q2: How often does magnetic variation change?
A: Magnetic variation changes gradually over time due to shifts in the Earth's magnetic field. Navigation charts are updated regularly to reflect current variation values.

Q3: What is the typical range of magnetic variation?
A: Variation can range from 0° to over 20° depending on location. In some polar regions, it can exceed 30°.

Q4: How do I find the current variation for my location?
A: Current variation can be found on nautical charts, aviation charts, or through official geophysical data sources like NOAA or national geological surveys.

Q5: Why is variation important for navigation?
A: Without accounting for variation, navigators could be off course by miles over long distances. Proper variation application ensures accurate course following and destination arrival.