The phrase "true north" refers to the direction towards the Earth's geographic North Pole. Its spelling includes the consonant "t" followed by a "r" sound represented by the IPA symbol /tʃ/ (similar to the "ch" sound in "church"). The vowel "u" is pronounced as /uː/ (a long "oo" sound), followed by the "r" sound again. Finally, the word ends with the "th" sound, represented by the IPA symbol /θ/. Overall, the IPA transcription of "true north" is /tʃruːnɔːθ/.
True north refers to the geographical direction of the Earth's rotational axis or the North Pole, where all meridians converge. It is the reference point used in navigation and cartography, providing a fixed reference for determining both longitude and magnetic variation. Unlike magnetic north, which is subject to variations due to the Earth's magnetic field, true north remains constant.
True north is the direction towards the North Pole, along a great circle on the Earth's surface. This concept is significant for all individuals, particularly sailors, pilots, hikers, and anyone navigating through physical space. Accurate determination of true north is crucial for determining the most direct route and location relative to other landmarks. It allows one to triangulate their position, calculate latitude and longitude, and create accurate maps and charts.
To find true north, one must take into consideration their current location and the Earth's magnetic declination, which is the angular difference between magnetic north and true north. Navigational tools, such as compasses and GPS systems, can be used to align oneself with true north by accounting for this declination. Modern technology has simplified this process, but historical navigation relied on celestial bodies, such as the North Star (Polaris), to identify true north accurately.
In a metaphorical sense, "true north" is also used to describe an individual's authentic self or guiding principles. It represents one's most genuine and unwavering ideals or beliefs, creating a metaphorical compass to navigate through life's choices and uncertainties.
The word "true" in "true north" is derived from the Old English word "trēowe", meaning "steadfast, loyal, firm". This word originated from the Proto-Germanic word "triwwiz", which also meant "faithful, true". It is further related to the Proto-Indo-European root "*deru", meaning "strong, solid, steadfast".
The term "north" comes from the Old English word "norþ", which has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*nurþrą" and ultimately the Proto-Indo-European root "*ner", meaning "left, below". In ancient times, the directions were often determined based on the position of the sun at sunrise, and since the sun always rose in the east, north was considered the left side.