2007-03-15 12:12:47 · 11 answers · asked by John D 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
That depends on where in space you are.
If still in the solar system, it would generally point along the field lines of the Sun's magnetic field, which (when outside the influence of the Earth) is the strongest magnetic field in our local region of space. Some other planets (like Jupiter) also have strong magnetic fields, so if you were near one of those, it might predominate.
If outside of the solar system and far from any star, the galaxy as a whole has a weak magnetic field, and it would point along the field lines of that.
2007-03-15 13:07:32 · answer #1 · answered by Keith P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would point toward any magnetic field that is strong enough to move the arrow. The gravitational fields do not attract the arrow since a compass deals with magnetic fields.
2007-03-15 12:17:57 · answer #2 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gravity has nothing to do with it. A magnetic field lessens with distance. If it was a incredibly sensative compass, it would point to magnetic north (a chunk of lodestone in the artic somewhere) until the magentic field of something else became stronger. Like the sun. Magnetic fields extend forever.
2007-03-15 12:19:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quote: 'Gyroscopic compasses do no longer be counted upon magnetism in any respect. they're set to point to the North action picture star at the same time as they're made and proceed to finish that see you later as they're powered. Even in community area, in the photograph voltaic equipment, they are going to proceed to point to Earth's North action picture star. i have self assurance the solar and Jupiter both have magnetic fields. The compass may aspect to the solar's North pole in maximum of the photograph voltaic equipment if it replaced into tender adequate.' i am hoping that's some help.
2016-12-02 01:47:18 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
im assuming you mean earths magnetic field not its gravitational field. it depends on how far away you are from the earth. since a compass points towards magnetic fields im going to assume that out from earth it would point to the sun because the sun has such a strong magnetic feild. however if you are out in space and you are close enough to the earth it will point to the earths north pole. hope this helps!!!!
2007-03-15 12:18:27 · answer #5 · answered by Bones 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A compass points in a way to align itself with the flow of existing magnetic fields.
Magnetic fields do not require gravity to exist and gravity does not require a magnetic field to exist.
That said, the needle would point, disregarding friction, mass, wind (fluid) resistance, and other relevant forces, to align with the the strongest magnetic field present, it there is one strong enough to overcome the other forces at play as mentioned earlier.
2007-03-15 13:53:54 · answer #6 · answered by Justin 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
a compass does not rely on the earths gravitational field to function, it relies on the magnetic field... out in space it will still point to where ever the strongest magnetic field is.
2007-03-15 12:40:24 · answer #7 · answered by mcdonaldcj 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The nearest magnetic or metallic source.
2007-03-15 12:38:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you shielded it, it would probably line up with the main power conduit in your spaceship.
2007-03-15 12:18:03 · answer #9 · answered by skepsis 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing... without the grav field, it's useless..
2007-03-15 12:16:16 · answer #10 · answered by chuckufarley2a 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋