What is meant by magnetic north?

Magnetic north refers specifically to the direction towards the north magnetic pole, which is the point on the Earth's surface where the planet's magnetic field points vertically downward. This is a crucial concept for navigation, particularly in the use of compasses, which align themselves with Earth's magnetic field.

In contrast to geographic north, which is fixed at the geographic North Pole, magnetic north can vary slightly depending on the location on Earth due to the uneven distribution of the Earth's magnetic field. Understanding the distinction between magnetic north and geographic north is vital for navigators and those involved in activities like hiking, sailing, or any form of navigation that relies on a compass.