The arrow on a compass always points what direction?

The arrow on a compass always points to magnetic north. This is due to the Earth's magnetic field, which influences the compass needle. The magnetic north pole is not the same as the geographic north pole. The geographic north pole refers to the point where the Earth's axis of rotation intersects its surface in the northern hemisphere, which is fixed in position. In contrast, magnetic north is determined by the Earth's magnetic field and can vary over time and location.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for navigation. When navigating, you need to adjust for the difference between magnetic north (where the compass points) and true north (geographic north) by using what's known as magnetic declination. This knowledge is essential for accurate map reading and land navigation, especially in military operations where precision is critical.