The magnetic compass was first inverted as a device for divination as early as the Chinese han dynasty and tany dynasty . the compass was used in song . dynasty china by the military for the navigation orienteering by 1040-1044........i googled it

**The Invention of the Magnetic Compass**

The magnetic compass is an ancient navigational tool that revolutionized the way humans explored and traveled across the globe. The invention of the magnetic compass was a significant milestone in the history of navigation. It provided sailors and explorers with a reliable means of determining direction, which greatly increased their ability to navigate accurately across vast distances.

**Magnetism and Early Observations**

The invention of the magnetic compass can be traced back to ancient China, where the properties of magnetism were first discovered. The Chinese noticed that certain naturally occurring minerals, such as lodestone, had the ability to attract iron. This phenomenon, known as magnetism, intrigued early observers and led to the exploration of its potential applications.

**Early Navigational Tools**

Before the invention of the magnetic compass, early navigators relied on various methods to determine their direction at sea. These methods included celestial navigation, where sailors used the position of the stars and the sun to guide their course, as well as dead reckoning, which involved estimating one's position based on previously known locations and the distance traveled.

**The Discovery of Magnetic North**

One of the key developments leading to the invention of the magnetic compass was the discovery of magnetic north. Chinese astronomers noticed that a suspended magnet would align itself in a north-south direction, pointing towards what is now known as the Earth's magnetic north pole. This observation provided a reliable reference point for determining direction.

**The Invention of the Magnetic Compass**

The exact origins of the magnetic compass are not known with certainty, but it is believed to have been invented in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE). The first compasses consisted of a magnetized needle floating on a piece of wood or cork in a bowl of water. Over time, improvements were made, such as using a pivot point to allow the needle to rotate more freely and the addition of markings indicating the cardinal directions.

**Impact and Significance**

The invention of the magnetic compass had a profound impact on navigation and exploration. It allowed sailors to determine their direction even when the stars and the sun were not visible, such as during cloudy weather or at night. This newfound ability greatly increased the accuracy and reliability of navigation, enabling sailors to venture further into unknown territories and explore new lands. The magnetic compass played a crucial role in the Age of Exploration, facilitating the voyages of famous explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan.

In conclusion, the invention of the magnetic compass was a major breakthrough in navigation. It provided a reliable means of determining direction and greatly enhanced the ability of sailors and explorers to navigate across vast distances. The magnetic compass remains an essential tool in modern navigation, and its invention marked a significant milestone in the history of human exploration.