Abstract: A magnetic compass is illuminated by a light emitting diode. The compass is nclosed in a case made of a lightweight, plastic composite material. The light-emitting diode is energized by a low profile, nonmagnetic battery connected to the light emitting diode through a nonmagnetic microswitch operated on the exterior of the casing by a pushbutton. The compass has a compass rose with strips of phosphorescent material disposed thereon, a rotatable bezel with a strip of phosphorescent material thereon and a lid having a sighting slot therein traversed by a cross hair. Located at the bottom and top of the cross hair are additional strips of phosphorescent material so that the compass may be utilized in the dark. The phosphorescent material may be charged by ambient light and by light emitted by the light emitting diode.