Assume for simplicity that the Earth’s magnetic north pole is at the same location as its geographic north pole. If you are in an airplane flying due west along the equator, as you cross the prime meridian (0° longitude) facing west and look down at a compass you are carrying, you see that the compass needle is perpendicular to your direction of motion, and the north pole of the needle dipole points to your right. As you continue flying due west, describe how and why the orientation of the needle will (or will not) change.

Assume for simplicity that the Earth’s magnetic north pole is at the same location as its geographic north pole. If you are in an airplane flying due west along the equator, as you cross the prime meridian (0° longitude) facing west and look down at a compass you are carrying, you see that the compass needle is perpendicular to your direction of motion, and the north pole of the needle dipole points to your right. As you continue flying due west, describe how and why the orientation of the needle will (or will not) change.