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Live Science

Where would a compass point in outer space?

Live Science
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A compass would still technically work in space, but it wouldn't necessarily point you back to Earth .

It would point to the north pole of whatever magnetic field is the strongest, relative to where in space the compass is located.

Earth is the only rocky planet in the solar system with such a strong magnetic field.

NASA uses these instruments to understand more about interactions in space and pick up more ancient signs.

"Measuring the magnetic field is super useful for understanding what is going on inside of a planet," Espley said. Sierra Bouchér is a Washington , D.C.-based journalist whose work has been featured in Science, Scientific American , Mongabay and more. They have a master's degree in science communication from U.C. Santa Cruz , and a research background in animal behavior and historical ecology..