Why Do The Magnetic Poles Switch Places? (Magnetic Poles Part 2 of 2)
Series: A Moment of Science
From: WFIU
Length: 00:02:01
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On a previous show we discussed how, every 200,000 years or so, the north and south poles switch places. Not that the places themselves move-rather, the entire magnetic field of the earth flips around, resulting in the pole we now call "north" being on the southern tip of the planet, and vice versa.
Why does this happen?
Although it seems pretty solid, the outer core of our planet is in a molten state. That means it's partway between what most folks would call liquid and solid. Much of this molten interior is iron and nickel. These are elements that conduct electricity very well.Find out more on this A Moment of Science...
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Piece Description
On a previous show we discussed how, every 200,000 years or so, the north and south poles switch places. Not that the places themselves move-rather, the entire magnetic field of the earth flips around, resulting in the pole we now call "north" being on the southern tip of the planet, and vice versa.
Why does this happen?
Although it seems pretty solid, the outer core of our planet is in a molten state. That means it's partway between what most folks would call liquid and solid. Much of this molten interior is iron and nickel. These are elements that conduct electricity very well.Find out more on this A Moment of Science...
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