How does a compass needle point north?

A compass needle points north because it is a magnet that aligns itself with the Earth’s magnetic field. The Earth acts like a giant magnet, with a magnetic north pole near the geographic North Pole. The compass needle, which is suspended so it can move freely, aligns its north-seeking pole with Earth’s magnetic field lines. This makes it a reliable tool for navigation. However, the magnetic north pole shifts over time due to changes in the Earth’s core, requiring regular updates to navigation maps.