Magnetic Equator (Noun)
Meaning
An imaginary line paralleling the equator where a magnetic needle has no dip.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The magnetic equator is an imaginary line that intersects the center of the Earth and is where a magnetic needle remains horizontal, with no dip.
- Scientists have observed that the magnetic equator does not coincide with the geometric equator but rather makes an angle of about 11 degrees with it.
- Near the magnetic equator, a compass needle is usually balanced horizontally, indicating that the magnetic field has no dip and is parallel to the Earth's surface.
- The location of the magnetic equator varies over time due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field, which is generated by movements in the Earth's core.
- The magnetic equator is an important concept in navigation and geophysics, as it helps to understand the behavior of the Earth's magnetic field and its effects on magnetic compasses.