Suddenly we were coming about again, and I watched the compass needle whirl to its new heading.

NPR: Excerpt: 'Skybreaker'

In 1745, an English physicist named Gowin Knight developed a compass with a steel needle, which retained its magnetism longer.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Once again, we accompany Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) as he pursues his fate or the needle of his compass across the waters.

NEWYORKER: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest