Can we survive a flip of the Earth's magnetic poles?
The Earth's magnetic field sets it apart from the surrounding planets of our solar system. An incredibly powerful force at the center of our world, its primary role is to be the protector of our atmosphere. Solar winds, cosmic rays, and huge clouds of plasma and radiation are met by the shield of the Earth's magnetosphere. In a constantly moving field of energy, the poles of the Earth act like the different ends of a magnet. However, our poles shift and change location every 300,000 years or so. It seems we're overdue a pole flip; but what exactly does that mean?
Intrigued? Click on the gallery to discover if humans can survive a flip of the Earth's magnetic poles.
Decreasing strength
Some scientists theorize that the geomagnetic field is decreasing in strength just before it completely reverses direction—something it has done several times in the past.
Magnetic fields
Magnetic fields are generated by electric charges in motion. In a bar magnet, the moving charges are electrons orbiting in atoms. In the Earth, they are electrons moved around by circulating currents of molten iron.
Molten iron outer core
The rotation of the Earth's molten iron outer core is what generates the magnetic field. The core cools slowly and movement occurs due to convection. Imagine it like water boiling in a saucepan.
