2006-09-13 00:20:50 · 25 answers · asked by ellywelly13 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
If you are on a space ship with a compass, it will point to the strongest magnetic force on the ship. If the compass is drifting alone in deepspace, I guess it wouldn't point anywhere. It would just stay in the same position as when it left the last magnetic field?
I don't think Gravity has anything to do with Magnetism.
2006-09-13 00:37:20 · answer #1 · answered by rusty_2003uk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gravity has nothing to do with it whatsoever.
The compass will point to the northern pole of the strongest magnetic field. If you are in the earth's orbit, it will most likely be the earth's magnetic field. If you are farther away, it might be the sun's magnetic field. And, as someone else so righly posed, the craft you are in may be generating the strongest magnetic field.
Space is not empty. Even between galaxies there is still a very very weak magnetic influence.
The only exception to this is that the magnetic field may not be strong enough for the needle to overcome its static friction to move.
2006-09-13 08:29:57 · answer #2 · answered by sparc77 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Compasses only "point north" because the magnetic poles are fairly near the poles of rotation on Earth. A compass actually lines up with magnetic field lines. These are inclined to the surface of the Earth and the needle has to be weighted at one end to keep it horizontal (buy a compass in England and the needle will be unbalanced in Australia as it's weighted the wrong end).
If you were in orbit round the Earth the needle would be effectively weightless so it wouldn't pivot properly on its balance point. However, if you let a magnetised needle float freely in the capsule space, it would align itself with the magnetic force field of the earth. If you were in a polar orbit, as you passed over the magnetic poles it would point straight toward Earth and as you crossed the Equator it would lie at right angles to that direction.
If you were too far from Earth to detect the Earth's field (say on your way to Mars) it might align with the Sun's magnetic field but the effect would be weaker.
2006-09-13 10:15:47 · answer #3 · answered by Paul FB 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. I think that it would find the strongest magentic field. If you happen to be near it then it'll probably be you or the ship you're in. However, if you weren't close enough to effect it (and therefore couldn't see it - Schrodingers cat situation here) then there is supposed to be galaxy wide magnetic fields although no-one has any idea where they come from. Even in space there are charged particles and since a moving charged particle caused magnetism then maybe that's what causes it?? Anyway, I'm not sure this magnetic field would be strong enough to turn the needle.
2006-09-13 11:32:32 · answer #4 · answered by andrew w 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to this question will depend on where abouts in space you take it to!
If however you are referring to earth orbit of the kind the space shuttle follows then the answer would depend on whereabout over the earth you are. If you are over the magnetic North pole then it should point down as this is where the lines of magnetic flux are flowing into. The opposite would be true if you were over the south pole.
The simple answer is it will point toward magnetic North, as long as theres nothing else around you with a stronger magnetic field!
2006-09-13 07:33:52 · answer #5 · answered by forplay4play 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
To the North of the strongest magnetic field present. Probably, if there was a electromagnet among the circuits of the rocket you are taking the compass in, it would point there.
2006-09-13 07:30:00 · answer #6 · answered by lkraie 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It will point along the local magnetic field. Near the Earth this would be north-south, away from the planets it would line up with the suns field which is a twisty thing so it would depend where you are in the solar system. Near another planet you would line up with the field of that planet (if it has one) and out in the galaxy you would see the galactic field.
2006-09-13 15:06:33 · answer #7 · answered by m.paley 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends how far into space you are, if youre orbiting the earth I think it would point to magenetic north as it would still be in the earths magnetic field, If your in deep space then probably in an arbritrary direction.
2006-09-13 07:29:26 · answer #8 · answered by John S 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There is no gravity in space. The magnetic components of a compass operate by directing the pointer towards the directions we know as NSEW.
As there is no gravity in space, it will point to an arbitrary position.
2006-09-13 07:24:39 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
Compasses Point to MAGNETIC NORTH....
So as long as it was in a magnetic field, It would point to the strongest 'Magnetic North' Charge....???
2006-09-13 07:33:45 · answer #10 · answered by Banderes 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋