Question

If the magnetic bearing of the Sun at a place at noon is \( S 2^\circ E \), the magnetic declination (in degrees) at that place is

• A. \( 2^\circ E \)
• B. \( 2^\circ W \)
• C. \( 4^\circ E \)
• D. \( 4^\circ W \)

Hint:

The magnetic declination can be determined from the magnetic bearing of the Sun at noon, where the declination is equal to the observed angle if the Sun is east or west of the north direction.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The magnetic bearing of the Sun is measured relative to the magnetic north at a given location. The magnetic declination is the angle between true north (geographic north) and magnetic north. The declination is positive when magnetic north is east of true north and negative when it is west of true north. In this case, the magnetic bearing of the Sun at noon is \( S 2^\circ E \), which means the Sun is observed to be at an angle of 2° east of south. The magnetic declination is the difference between the true north and magnetic north, which is represented by the same angle of 2° in this case, as the Sun’s bearing gives the angle relative to magnetic north. Thus, the correct magnetic declination is \( 2^\circ E \).