Gyrocompass

A gyrocompass is a navigational instrument that uses a spinning rotor or wheel to determine directions relative to the Earth's rotation. Unlike a magnetic compass, which relies on Earth's magnetic field, a gyrocompass points to true north, providing accurate bearings in various environments, including at sea or in aircraft. As the rotor spins, its orientation remains stable due to gyroscopic inertia, allowing it to resist external forces and maintain a consistent direction. This makes gyrocompasses particularly valuable for navigation in locations where magnetic compasses may be unreliable.