Earth is surrounded by a magnetic field generated by electric currents from within the planet. Compasses take advantage of this field to identify north and serve as a navigational aid. But one social ...

Some inventions are so simple that it’s hard to improve them. The magnetic compass is a great example — a magnetized needle, a bit of cork, and a bowl of water are all you need to start navigating the ...

New satellite data show Earth’s magnetic field changing fast, with a growing weak spot over the South Atlantic.

Earth's invisible magnetic field acts as a vital shield, protecting life from dangerous cosmic radiation and solar particles. Generated deep within th ...

Scientists have known for decades that many animals use the Earth's magnetic field for navigation. It's less clear how they do it. A new study suggests earthworms may be a good way to figure it out.

To use the compass on your iPhone, you simply need to launch the Compass app and calibrate it. Here's what you need to know.