2006-09-11 06:12:34 · 23 answers · asked by topdogrex 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
It would align itself with the nearest magnetic field.
2006-09-11 06:15:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
It would pretty much probably go every which way. A compass relies on the magnetic force of earth aligning it to the familiar north-south direction it points. If in space, it would be influenced by any metal or electic current inside the spaceship, or even by other electromagnetic forces (such as the sun).
2006-09-11 06:22:00 · answer #2 · answered by swilliamrex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will not point in any direction, but it has nothing to do with pressure. A compass points north because of the earths magnetic poles. If your out in space, and out of the influence of the earths magnetic poles, the compass will not be inclined to point in any direction.
2006-09-11 06:16:55 · answer #3 · answered by T F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if there is no magnetic field nearby then the compass will stay where it was previously without pointing to anything in particular.
It just remains in its previous state , that is the state it was in before you took the compass into space.
So the direction at which the compass points will not mean anything. It will just display the previous position in which it was before you took it into space.
2006-09-11 06:19:35 · answer #4 · answered by venkat Subramaniam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer varies according to where you are in space.
In Earth orbit, where you are most likely to be able to get to at the moment, the strongest magnetic field would still be the Earth's magnetic field. This would make the compass point along the magnetic field lines, but as to where it points would depend on where your orbit placed you at the exact time of looking at the compass.
Outside of the Earth's magnetic influence (which varies a lot), the strongest magnetic field would be the Sun's magnetic field.
2006-09-12 00:34:59 · answer #5 · answered by jfhaslam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi. A MAGNETIC compass would follow any stray magnetic fields. A GYROSCOPIC compass would continue to point in the original direction, but that would be useless.
2006-09-11 06:17:45 · answer #6 · answered by Cirric 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a compass would point to the nearest object with a magnetic charge. If it where beyond the magnetic influence of any object it would not point in any general direction unless there was something creating a magnetic field in which case it would point toward that object.
2006-09-11 06:18:08 · answer #7 · answered by bretttwarwick 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Direction, relative to a compass, does not exist in space.
2006-09-11 08:07:52 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
lulu whats pressure gotta do with a compass and since when did the earth have a iron core ,it wouldnt work cos there is no magnetic field in space .
2006-09-11 06:18:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably towards the source of the nearest, or strongest, magnetic charge/field...
A simple test using a compass and a bar or electro- magnet will show that the compass will point towards the North of the magnetic field that is the strongest in proximity (ie, the magnetic field of the planet is very strong, but is weak in comparison to the magnetic field of a bar magnet 10cm away as it is closer to a stronger field of magnetism)...
hopefully that made enough sense, and as much sense compared to the sense it made to me in my head....
2006-09-11 06:23:51 · answer #10 · answered by Nathan 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well it depends where you are in space if you are close to a plante it will point to it but only if the planet has an iron core like earth
2006-09-11 06:15:31 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋