Do compasses point south in the southern hemisphere?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether compasses, which are navigational tools, direct toward the south in the southern hemisphere as opposed to the common understanding that they point north in the northern hemisphere. This implies a need to explain how compasses work and their directional tendencies based on geographical location.
Answer
A compass needle always points toward magnetic north.
A compass needle always points toward the magnetic north, regardless of whether you are in the northern or southern hemisphere.
Answer for screen readers
A compass needle always points toward the magnetic north, regardless of whether you are in the northern or southern hemisphere.
More Information
The magnetic north pole is the target of a compass needle, due to Earth's magnetic field. Compasses are adjusted for balance depending on the hemisphere to account for the tilt, but they always point to the magnetic north.
