Ancient Chinese sailors used magnetic needles in bowls of water to navigate
Long before GPS, Chinese mariners revolutionized sea travel by floating magnetized needles in bowls of water to find their way across the open ocean, even when the stars were hidden by clouds.
Chinese sailors began using the magnetic needle for maritime navigation during the Song Dynasty around the 11th century. This early compass, known as a wet compass, featured a magnetized needle balanced on a small bit of wood or straw floating in a water-filled bowl. This simple yet brilliant design allowed the needle to rotate freely and point toward magnetic north.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz