Wherever you are on Earth, the magnetized needle of a compass will always point in the same direction. This occurs because of Earth's magnetism. Earth behaves like a gigantic magnet. ... Under the effect of Earth's magnetic field, the needle always points toward the north magnetic pole.

Which way does a compass needle point?

A compass needle points north because the north pole of the magnet inside it is attracted to the south pole of Earth's built-in magnet.

Why does a compass needle point up?

When it comes to magnets, opposites attract. This fact means that the north end of a magnet in a compass is attracted to the south magnetic pole, which lies close to the geographic north pole. Magnetic field lines outside of a permanent magnet always run from the north magnetic pole to the south magnetic pole.