What does the north pole of a compass indicate?

The north pole of a compass indicates the direction of the Earth's magnetic north. This is because the needle of a compass is a small magnet itself, with one end labeled as the north pole. It aligns itself with the Earth's magnetic field, which naturally flows from magnetic north to magnetic south. The magnetic north pole is not exactly at the geographic North Pole; it is located in the Arctic region but serves as a useful navigation reference point.

This property of the compass is vital for navigation, as it allows individuals to determine their cardinal directions based on the Earth's magnetic orientation. Understanding this concept is fundamental for using a compass effectively, especially when exploring unfamiliar territories or navigating using maps.