In the past, there has been a lot of hype about the earth’s pole shift, but recently discussions on this topic have quieted.  It’s a topic that has more relevance today than ever before.  Accelerating movement in earth’s magnetic pole may be contributing to climate change here on earth.  Other bodies in our solar system may be experiencing this as well.

NASA illustration of earth’s magnetic field.

The last pole shift on earth is believed to have occurred 780,000 year ago.  The estimates are based on the alignment of magnetic particles within sedimentary layers and in earth’s ancient lava flows.  The effects of previous shifts on the creatures of the planet are lost to the ages.   It does appear that magnetic reversals may have been associated with major extinction events of the past. 

There are several current NASA missions exploring the impact of the sun on our planet.  One interesting mission is called AIM.  It’s investigating, among other things, the cause of the changes to noctilucent clouds, the highest in our atmosphere, at our poles.  One possible cause could be our changing magnetic field.  Another mission is called, perhaps fittingly, CLUSTER, it is a joint mission with ESA aimed at better mapping our rapidly changing magnetosphere.  There are many other missions focusing on this topic of great concern.

There is evidence that poles are shifting on other bodies within our solar system which may indicate that pole shifts are a concerted event.  No one knows for sure, but it may even be a galaxy wide event caused by a change at the core of our galaxy.  Our suns poles reverse every solar cycle, the next is due, coincidentally in 2012. 

Europa - Cassini

The effects of this shift in our magnetic field may also account for the recent changes observed in insect and bird populations.  Whether or not these animals use the magnetic field for navigation is still a hotly debated topic.  These animals do have the ability to sense and possibly even see our magnetic field and would most likely be affected to some degree by changes.

Our magnetic field protects us from the full onslaught of solar radiation.  When the magnetic field is in its normal orientation, the poles are the least protected areas.  Since the poles do not point at the sun, we remain safe.  As the poles shift, the exposed areas of the magnetic field moves closer to range of more direct solar radiation.  This has the effect of increasing the amount of solar radiation that reaches the surface.  Some have even suggested that the sun’s rays will roast us as the poles flip.

Solar Flare - NASA - TRACE

As the normally protected areas become exposed to solar radiation, it has the effect of heating different areas of the planet and altering our normal weather patterns.  We are seeing the effects of this now, some areas of the planet are warming and some are cooling.  Record highs and lows are being broken across the surface of the earth.

Government or governments aware of this cause and effect could use this information to their advantage.  Recently it was learned that our government is contemplating the creation of yet another agency, a climate change agency.  Our government is currently assigning the cause of climate change to us and our cars.  As time goes by, the effects of increasing solar radiation through our weakened magnetic field will cause more climate change.  This will reinforce the position held by the government that our climate will worsen and that we are the cause. 

NOAA - Storm

It will get worse and there is no way to stop it.  As the poles shift not only does is expose areas of the earth that are normally protected, it also weakens the entire magnetic field exposing more of the planet to sun’s wrath.  Of course this will have a dramatic effect on our weather and the impact on us is going to get worse, much worse.  You can park your car and ride the bus and it will have very little effect.

The sad ending to it all is the fact that there really is nothing we can do about it.  We can only brace for what may indeed be a wild ride.  We can hope that the effects are manageable, allowing us to survive the shift.  Perhaps we can take steps to prepare for the worst by having a plan to escape from the effects.  There is no amount of new government, laws or taxes that can stop our magnetic poles from shifting.  In the end we are at the mercy of our planet and our sun.

Links

Birds can ’see’ the Earth’s magnetic field

North Magnetic Pole Is Shifting Rapidly Toward Russia

Earth’s Magnetic Field Is Fading

Earth’s Inconstant Magnetic Field

Sun’s rays to roast Earth as poles flip

The Sun Does a Flip

Movement Of Earth’s North Magnetic Pole Accelerating Rapidly

Pole Shift on Europa?

Sun Blamed for Warming of Earth and Other Worlds

Mars Melt Hints at Solar, Not Human, Cause for Warming, Scientist Says

NASA Heliophysics Missions

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 4:07 pm and is filed under News & Comment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.