As a result, he never published again on the topic and died a few years later of a massive stroke at the age of But this was the first signal that the heart of the molten outer core of our planet is much more tortured than scientists had imagined. Constant movement within the outer core is what creates our magnetic field. What Lathrop is trying to do is re-create the dynamo that we believe exists inside the core of the Earth. We know that the core is becoming increasingly volatile.
The North magnetic pole is absolutely running through the Northern Hemisphere at 55 kilometers a year to the northwest. We also know that the dipole is weakening fairly dramatically. If you look at satellite imagery, you can see that part of the magnetic field has already reversed in the Southern Hemisphere. This is something called the South Atlantic Anomaly. Does that tell us that a reversal is at hand? Scientists simply do not have enough information to make that conclusion.
The consequences for life on Earth are potentially devastating. What if one of those bands of extra radiation hits a very heavily populated part of the planet? Then, of course, there are the effects on all the creatures on the planet, as well as the effects on our electromagnetic system, the electric grid, and all the things we consider part of modern civilization. Simon Worrall curates Book Talk. Follow him on Twitter or at simonworrallauthor.
All rights reserved. Share Tweet Email. Why it's so hard to treat pain in infants. This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city Caracals have learned to hunt around the urban edges of Cape Town, though the predator faces many threats, such as getting hit by cars. India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big. Environment Planet Possible India bets its energy future on solar—in ways both small and big Grassroots efforts are bringing solar panels to rural villages without electricity, while massive solar arrays are being built across the country.
Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. Animals This frog mysteriously re-evolved a full set of teeth. While the poles will inevitably flip again at some point, our ability to recognize this possibility in advance allows us to prepare for it. For starters, satellite companies can begin to collaborate, sharing ideas with one another on how to equip satellites to deal with a pole reversal.
Government and university researchers can focus their efforts on developing new satellites specifically designed to withstand extreme radiation and space weather. Governments, businesses, and communities can come together to form action plans. Care about supporting clean energy adoption? Find out how much money and planet! By signing up through this link , Futurism. Image by Creative Commons. Share This Article.
Art of the Deal. Yesterday on the byte. The phenomenon would have led to some dramatic and dazzling events. The weakening of the magnetic field meant that more space weather, such as solar flares and galactic cosmic rays, could head to Earth. Perseverance rover has successfully landed on Mars and sent back its first images. Meanwhile, the ionized air would've increased the frequency of electrical storms -- something that scientists think caused humans to seek shelter in caves.
An upcoming reversal. In the paper, published in the journal Science , experts say there is currently rapid movement of the north magnetic pole across the Northern Hemisphere -- which could signal another reversal is on the cards. Incoming cosmic radiation would destroy our electric power grids and satellite networks," he said.
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