Captain Cook's Craigslist Compass: Setting Sail For Exceptional Finds

Webif you’re ever wondering why your dead reckoning is out, or the magnetic compass is not agreeing with your gps, a new analysis of old ships’ logs could hold the answer.

Webwhen sailing north from cape howe, cook and banks between 20 and 24 april, 1770, discussed the effect of land on the variation of the needle.

Weba star compass is a mnemonic device that is taught using a circular or rectangular diagram where each “compass” point indicates the rising or setting position of guide stars (alkire.

Webthe vessel chosen for this epic journey was his majesty’s bark endeavour, a sturdy coal ship refitted for exploration.

At just 106 feet in length, the ship was compact.