2007-09-19 07:39:39 · 10 answers · asked by Andreea 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
All of the previous answers are correct...only partially so. A compass, naturally, is designed to find the strongest magnetic interaction point in any given environment. On earth, that is what we call magnetic north, where all the longitudinal lines that comprise the global magnetic field join together.
The question of where it would point in space it TOTALLY depended on where you are in space. If you were just outside Earth's atmosphere, there is a strong likelihood that it will still point towards magnetic north, but since you are no longer on the surface of Earth that won't be very useful, because you will be able to see the northernmost point on Earth. As you get farther away from Earth, it will most likely point naturally towards the sun, which will at that point have a firm grasp of the vehicle in which are traveling...hope this helps...
2007-09-19 08:05:28 · answer #1 · answered by gottjoshie 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The compass will align with whatever magnetic field is strong enought to affect it. On earth, it is the earth's magnetic field. Away from earth, who knows. In space, the earth's magnetic field will still have an effect but that will diminish quickly as you move away. Electronics on the spacecraft (hopefully you are in a spacecraft) may put out enough magnetic field to cause the needle to move. This is especially true if you get the compass close to the electronics.
2007-09-19 07:55:33 · answer #2 · answered by A.Mercer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The compass wouldn't work, because a compass uses the earth's magnetic field to point the needle north, but once you leave the earths atmosphere you would no longer be able to tell direction with a compass
2007-09-19 07:48:09 · answer #3 · answered by cubsfan5289 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There are magnetic fields in space also. There are magnetic stars, magnetic planets, magnetic clouds etc. All these objects produce magnetic fields, which are superposed, while the nearest object influenses most.
So, the compass will show the direction of cosmic magnetic field, which can vary depending of given area.
2007-09-19 12:28:49 · answer #4 · answered by Dims 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
since there is no magnetic north - a compass would not work
However - if you were near a stellar object which possessed some magnetic qualities - it might point to this. It would be of no use however because you wouldn't have a point of reference.
2007-09-19 07:44:39 · answer #5 · answered by Wazoo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It would point in the direction of the prevailing magnetic field, if it was strong enough.
2007-09-19 07:45:52 · answer #6 · answered by ZikZak 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
even tho the compass won't work, the pointer won't be spinning around in circles it will just stay in one direction, so i think it's where ever the earth is.
2007-09-19 08:27:30 · answer #7 · answered by Zero 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
whichever way it was last pointing before it got into space
2007-09-19 07:43:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
ask nasa. they found their way back here!
2007-09-20 02:42:48 · answer #9 · answered by quasar 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It wouldn't work.
2007-09-19 07:43:07 · answer #10 · answered by Hotbody16 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋