On Earth, the cardinal directions are straightforward. The arrow on a compass points to the nearest magnetic pole. You can then use it to travel anywhere on Earth.

In space, the idea of anything being “central” enough to be used as a “North” (since the universe has no center) or being fixated enough to not somehow pose issues is more convoluted.

If you were a pioneer of space exploration, what would your “North” be?

  • Mac
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    2 months ago

    ?

    you orient yourself based on the galaxy you’re in.
    if you went to a new planet and picked up a compass would you expect it to point to your home planets North? No…