The Healy passed the magnetic north a few days back.    According to one of the captains aboard, the magnetic north pole is at 82°18 N Longitude and 113° 24 W Latitude. A gyroscope is used on the Healy to determine direction instead of a magnetic compass so there are no navigation issues with passing the magnetic north.  However, it could be a problem for sailors and boaters in smaller vessels using magnetic compasses.   The movement of the magnetic north pole is a natural process.

Observed north dip poles during 1831 – 2007. Image credit Arnaud Chulliat (Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris).

Gyroscope on the Healy.

Gyroscope reading showing latitude and longitude.

ENS Erin Sheridan navigates at the helm of the Healy.LED gyroscope reading at the helm of the Healy.

To find out more on the magnetic north try this link:

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/GeomagneticPoles.shtml