World Magnetic Model 2025, one of the key tools developed to model the change in Earth’s magnetic field. Credit: NOAA/NCEI
Earth’s Magnetic North Pole is moving and changing faster than ever, surprising scientists
What does it mean? Some hope this doesn’t screw up Santa’s deliveries tracked by GPS. Where will the Monarchs, Penguins, and GPS Tractors go? The Magnetic Pole is different than the geographical North Pole. There’s no existing research on the effects upon geography.
Reports from NOAA/NCEI set the standard GPS position of true North. Polar shifts happen every 11 years on the Sun. The Earth’s poles have reversed “200 times over the past 100 million years. The most recent… approximately 800,000 years ago.”
The Sun in Perihelion is in its closest position to Earth, increasing the force of geomagnetic attraction. The Sun’s Magnetic Pole flip is part of the Solar Maximum that may last another two years.
This post includes briefs from two articles in the details and impacts of our wandering Magnetic North Pole.
Happy Christmas Eve!
And, good luck with your Uber deliveries.
Debra
