2007-08-01 10:32:11 · 18 answers · asked by Dave H 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Theres magnetic fields in space but its not Earths so it will point in all directions..
2007-08-01 10:40:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as you were in Low Earth Orbit, the compass should work fine, and point to Earth's magnetic North Pole.
However, moving off into deeper space, the magnetic pull of the Earth begins to diminish (become weaker). This would cause the compass needle to possibly react to something magnetic on board the space craft more readily than to the Earth's North Pole. The action depends upon distance from Earth and materials used in construction of the space craft.
Were the space craft to venture into the region between the Earth and the Moon, the compass would most likely begin showing indecision (fluctuating) because the Earth has a magnetic pull, and so does the Moon, though not quite as much.
The real crisis here is, however, a result of compass construction. In order to minimize friction at the pivot point, most compasses are made with the needle floating on a tiny little pocket of jewel stone. In space flight there is no particular source of gravity, so the needle might well float up off of its pivot point in the center and become totally useless.
2007-08-01 11:03:13 · answer #2 · answered by zahbudar 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Where there's a Magnetic Field The Compass reacts
2007-08-08 08:17:13 · answer #3 · answered by Bludnut 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a compass to work, it must be near a magnet. The
compass will point toward the north pole of that magnet. Every magnet has a north pole and a south pole. A compass works on the Earth because the Earth is truly a giant magnet. If you were near something magnetic, maybe an asteroid with a lot of metal in it, the compass would point toward the magnetic asteroid's north pole. If you were not near something magnetic, the compass would do nothing.
This answer if correct
2007-08-01 10:44:49 · answer #4 · answered by tvcherry 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In low earth orbit, it would behave like any other compass, pointing to magnetic north. Although the guy holding the compass could probably see the needle moving slowly on it's base as he orbited.
In higher regions, say... beyond 20,000 miles (or, probably higher), the magnetic field would be weak enough where it wouldn't have much effect on the compass at all, and the needle would likely point to any random direction.
I believe either John Glenn or Gordon Cooper took a compass with them on a Mercury flight.
2007-08-01 10:43:51 · answer #5 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A compass is a mechanical instrument, one of the simplest in design, it can't default, if there is no magnetic field for the pointer to line up with. If you refer to deep space the compass has no function.
2007-08-08 03:38:48 · answer #6 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the compass would do nothing then suddenly turn towards Earth and fall to Earth becoming a Transformer the compass of all evil.
2007-08-09 00:09:23 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A compass will work in space provded its near a magnetic field
2007-08-09 05:14:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A compass works because it reacts with the earth's magnetic field. It wouldn't work in space.
i agree with nrao_kid
2007-08-01 10:38:10 · answer #9 · answered by justask23 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the reaction would be dependant on several factors.
1. if near a magnetic source it would deflect towards it
2. if no obvious mag .source it would point towards any live electrical cable which would be emitting an EMF(artificial mag field). (assuming that you are testing your theories in a spacecraft).
3. if none of the above then it would most likely point towards yourself as the human body also has a very weak magnetic field
2007-08-05 09:23:03 · answer #10 · answered by aldavi_7 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋