What is the difference between magnetic and rotational north?

Magnetic north refers to the point on the Earth's surface where its magnetic field points vertically downwards, which is influenced by the Earth's magnetic field and can shift over time. Rotational north, or true north, is the direction along the Earth's surface towards the North Pole, where the Earth's axis of rotation meets its surface. The difference between the two is known as magnetic declination, which varies by location and affects navigation using compasses. In summary, magnetic north is based on the Earth's magnetic field, while rotational north is a fixed geographical reference.