OutdoorsTried-and-true tip
A leaf as a float for a makeshift compass
A fresh leaf floats the magnetized needle on water so it can swing towards north.
- Time
- ⏱ 10 min
- Difficulty
- ◆ easy
What you need
- fresh leaf
- magnetized needle
- still water or a non-magnetic bowl
How to do it
- Push the needle lengthwise through the leaf's midrib. The leaf should be only slightly larger than the needle.
- Gently set the leaf, needle on top, on the water surface.
- Shield it from wind.
- Wait until the leaf turns and can move freely.
- Once it floats freely, the tip or the eye points north, depending on polarity.
Variations
- Use a puddle instead of a bowl.
- Fill a non-magnetic container such as a plastic bowl or aluminium pot with water.
Sources
This is where we found the tip. The badge above shows how well it is backed up.
- outdoor-magazin.com (opens in a new tab)
Ein stabiles, frisches Blatt beispielsweise bildet einen idealen Auftriebskörper.“ und „Damit sich die Nadel nach Norden ausrichten kann, benötigt sie etwas stehendes Wasser
