Here's why:
* Earth's Magnetic Field: The Earth acts like a giant magnet, generating a magnetic field that extends far into space.
* Magnetic Poles: This field has two magnetic poles, a north and a south pole. These poles are not the same as the geographic North and South Poles.
* Compass Needle Alignment: A compass needle is a small magnet that aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field lines. The end of the compass needle that points towards the Earth's magnetic north is usually marked with a "N" or a red color.
Important Note: The Earth's magnetic north pole is constantly moving, so the direction a compass points can change over time.
