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?

  • treadful
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    2 months ago

    Earth-bound cardinals are basically 2 dimensional vectors. Not really helpful in intergalactic space.