How does a compass find north?
For grown-ups: the science
A compass has a tiny magnet needle that turns to line up with Earth's magnetic field and points toward magnetic north.
A compass needle is a small permanent magnet that aligns with Earth's magnetic field. The north-seeking end points toward the region called magnetic north, which shifts over time and does not exactly match geographic north at the North Pole.
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Transcript
A little compass rests in your hand, and its needle wiggles. How can it point the way?
Earth has a magnetic field, an invisible push and pull around our planet. A compass needle is a tiny magnet that can turn in that field.
One end of the needle turns toward Earth's magnetic north. That is why the needle swings until it points north and south.
Magnetic north is not exactly the same as the North Pole, and it slowly moves. Maps can show travelers the small difference.
So a compass finds north by following Earth's invisible magnetic field. Its tiny magnet needle shows the way!