Earth’s Magnetic Field is constantly changing. There is a concern that the Magnetic Poles could flip. This would mean the North would become South. We would need to make a new compass to adjust to the change.
Our magnetic fields have flipped 183 times before. These changes have happened between intervals of 10-50 million years. It takes 1,000-10,000 years for the flip to complete. The last magnetic field flip occurred 780,000 years ago.
The Magnetic Field is created by conductive iron magma moving beneath Earth’s crust. The motion produces an electric current, which makes a constantly regenerating Geodynamo occur. The result is a defined band of protection, around the Earth, which deflects intense solar energy.
Solar storms are always happening on the Sun. These flares can produce intense energy that are found in Solar Winds. The intensity of the flares varies and goes through cycles. Currently we are at the end of one of these 11-year cycles. Our weather has been affected because of these solar storms.
The Earth is tilted on an axis. Considering this axis allows Scientists to find a Geographic North and South pole aligned to this axis. The Magnetic North and South poles change annually by 10-30 miles a year.
If the North and South pole were to reverse, it would be an extinction level event. We would not see or feel the change, but solar radiation would increase killing most life. The changes and cycles are constantly being evaluated and predicted by Scientists every 5 years.
Currently there is no immediate change. There is, however, scrutiny on a significant dent in our Magnetic Field over South America toward Africa. The South Atlantic Anomaly exists and may be splitting in two. It has only been recently that our technology could even measure this dent. It could just be a natural change. We simply do not know.
Earth’s living ecosystems and human life are very fragile. Scientists are constantly watching asteroids, comets, aliens, and other threats to our existence. Our own planet could create super volcanoes that could happen at any time. If Yellowstone Park’s super volcano exploded. Most Montanans would never even know it happened. We would just be gone in an instant.
I guess the message for Montanans is simple. Spend everyday fishing, hunting, and celebrating life, family, and friends. It could be gone in a flash.
Montana Grant
