What is the primary difference between true north and magnetic north?

The primary difference between true north and magnetic north lies in their definitions and how they affect navigation. True north refers to the direction along the earth's surface towards the geographic North Pole, while magnetic north is the direction that a magnetic compass points. This is influenced by the Earth's magnetic field and is not fixed geographically.

The correct answer emphasizes this difference through the use of magnetic bearings. Magnetic bearings are based on the magnetic north direction. In practice, navigators must often convert between these two references based on the angle of declination, which is the angle difference between true north and magnetic north at a specific location. This declination affects how one interprets the compass readings versus true headings needed for navigation.

The significance of magnetic bearings in navigation is crucial, as pilots and mariners must understand how to account for the variations between these two north references to ensure accurate course plotting and navigation.