What direction compass needle points at poles ? Which needle to be used at poles ?

The compass needle behaves differently at the poles compared to other locations on Earth. At the North Pole, the needle points straight down toward the ground, as it aligns with the Earth's magnetic field. Conversely, at the South Pole, the needle points straight up. This unique behavior occurs because the magnetic field lines converge at the poles.

Choosing the Right Compass at the Poles

Using a standard magnetic compass at the poles can be challenging due to this vertical orientation. Instead, a gyroscopic compass or a digital compass is recommended for navigation in these regions. These types of compasses are not affected by the magnetic anomalies present at the poles and provide more reliable directional information.

Key Points to Remember

• At the North Pole, the compass needle points downward.
• At the South Pole, it points upward.
• Gyroscopic or digital compasses are preferred for accurate navigation.