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There are still magnetic fields in space - especially if you remain close to Earth. But magnetic compasses are usually designed to use gravity, which you won't have if you are in free fall. A specially-designed magnetic compass would work, though.
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Why would magnetic compass not work in space?
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Would a magnetic compass be suitable to be used for space travel?
No. Magnetic compasses work based on the Earth's mantic field, in space there is no magnetic field for the compasses to work with. A different system, possibly similar to Global Positioning System (GPS) might work, call it the Universal Positioning System. On certain rocky planets it could work, but some planets don't have a magnetic field, like Mars. So a traditional magnetic compass wouldn't work in space, or at least it won't get you where you want to go.
Since the astronaut is in outer space how does the heart work without the earth's magnetic field?
There are two parts to this: First, the Earth's magnetic field extends beyond its surface. Second, and more importantly, the heart does not rely on an external magnetic field in order to work.
Will electromagnet can work in space?
Magnets work because their atoms are aligned in certain orientation so that the magnetic field is not chaos but is organized as ripples around the matter. Such organized electromagnetic field of any nature can exist without any supporting media like air or water. If you think space is vacuum then you are wrong again. There is a lot of black or dark matter (invisible to current scientific equipment) in this universe and lots of particles like cosmic rays emitted by stars and galaxies. So magnets will work regardless of vacuum or space.
Can weightlessness in the space station be converted to gravity by magnetism?
Im not sure if this is the correct answer but its my thought that for magnetism to work there must be a magnetic field. Not all celestial beings have a magnetic field allowing for a magnetic attraction therefore magnetism cannot be the answer to the gravitational problem of space flight though it is also my thought that a series of motor driven gyroscopes might hold an answer.
How can you turn off a magnetic field by a current?
If the magnetic field is caused only by a current, you can turn the current off.If you have another magnetic field, for example due to a permanent magnet, with a current you can create a magnetic field that counters the first one. But that will only work in certain regions in space; you can't cancel such a magnetic field everywhere in space.
Would an astronaut bring a compass on their space expedition?
Not for navigation. Compasses work based on the magnetic field of Earth and are pointless for navigation except on Earth.
Why dont space shuttles have propellers?
Propellers only work in a thick atmospheres, so at a certain height they stop working. This would make it impossible for the space shuttle to go into outer space.
Does a magnetic compass work in the desert?
Why not? the desert is just the same as any other place on planet earth. Magnetic compasses work fine in the desert. See the "Where does the magnetic compass not work?" question for some places where they don't work.
How do magnetic sweepers work?
They work by using a magnet.
Do compasses work at high speeds when travelling west?
Yes, a compass will work no matter what as long as you are within a magnetic field, such as the magnetic field created by the earth, totally encompassing the earth. The only ways to cause a compass not to work, or give a false reading are to; a) hold a magnet close enough to it so that it picks up that magnet's field instead of the magnetic field of the earth b) go far enough into space that you are not within any magnetic field. This will bring you completely out of the solar system since the sun has a magnetic field that stretches almost to the outer limits of the solar system.
What two places can a compass not be used?
a compass can be used anywhere.... the accuracy however may suffer in the magnetic polar regions. Then of course there is outer space where a compass would not work
