text: would a compass work in space?   deep inside the earth, there is a spinning molten core of iron. this iron creates a huge magnetic field which surrounds the earth. the field protects us from deadly radiation waves from the sun. it also makes the earth act like a giant magnet - so, the tiny free-spinning magnet aligns itself with the earth, pointing to the north and south poles.  now if you went somewhere out in space, away from earth, the needle wouldn't feel the pull of the earth's magnetic field, and wouldn't point to north.  the answer is no.