A new approach to measuring geomagnetic field declination

Authors

  • A.M. Andreev Zaporizhzhia National University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Ukraine
  • E.S. Appazov Kherson State Maritime Academy, Kherson, Ukraine, Ukraine
  • O.S. Bahriychuk Community Center «Zaporizhzhia Regional Center for Scientific and Technical Creativity of Students “Grani” of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Council», Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Ukraine
  • E.V. Duda Zaporizhzhia National University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Ukraine
  • O.S. Yanovsky Zaporizhzhia National University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Ukraine

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24028/gj.v48i2.346381

Keywords:

magnetic declination, geomagnetic field, components of the Earth's magnetic field, variations in magnetic declination, сompass, fluid self-centering support

Abstract

It is essential to measure the components of Earth’s magnetism, including its configuration, spatial distribution, short-term and long-term variations, and its relationship with other phenomena originating on the Sun, in the atmosphere, or within the Earth. Modern instruments enable high-precision measurements of the components of the geomagnetic field. However, in certain situations — such as emergencies in marine navigation — a conventional compass may remain indispensable.

The authors propose a device whose design rivals the simplicity of the classical compass. This instrument eliminates the structural drawbacks of dry friction between the elements of a conventional compass by using a fluid support, which removes dry friction within the device, thereby significantly increasing its sensitivity and enabling the measurement of magnetic declination and its variations.

The results of experimental investigations of the device are presented. It can measure the geomagnetic field’s declination and its temporal changes. Its simple construction and high sensitivity compared to a standard compass make it a promising tool for numerous practical applications. The device is capable of detecting even minute variations (on the order of arc minutes) in magnetic declination caused by short-term disturbances over the course of a day (diurnal variation). The instrument can function as a portable autonomous device for research in meteorology, geophysics, and navigation.

References

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Published

2026-04-18

How to Cite

Andreev, A., Appazov, E., Bahriychuk, O., Duda, E., & Yanovsky, O. (2026). A new approach to measuring geomagnetic field declination. Geofizicheskiy Zhurnal, 48(2). https://doi.org/10.24028/gj.v48i2.346381

Issue

Vol. 48 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2026 Андрій Андрєєв

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