I heard somewhere that the Earths magnetic field is changing and that it will have a big effect?

Question

Particularly with radiation levels. Is this true? If not radiation levels, will it effect anything else that we will be aware of?

Ok, I guess then what I was wondering specifically about the effect of the poles switching, still no big?

Answer 1

Yes, it changes continuously both in direction and magnitude. Always has and (as far as we know) always will. Based on the magnetization of various mineral specimens, it also seems that from time to time the magnetic poles have changed abruptly, perhaps even 'flipped' at various times in geologic history. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Sailors know that magnetic north varies from year to year and navigation charts are marked so that they can be corrected for the current date.

Cosmic radiation impinging on the Earth is affected by the magnetic field, causing interesting effects such as the Aurora Borealis and radio interference. I wouldn't worry about it, as there ain't nothing any of us can do about it. Next time you're in the Arctic, just enjoy the show.

Answer 2

No one really knows. It's happened many times before, and is probably part of a normal cycle that will affect weather more than anything else, oh, and the compass in your car. It will certainly allow more solar radiation to reach the earth, and can also cause genetic mutations, aging and the like.

Answer 3

Naw, our atmosphere will absorb all the radiation. A few satellites might get knocked out and you might see aurora in places besides the polls if the magnetic field drops to zero, but it won't affect anything else.

Answer 4

The fields are always changing, As a pilot we have new charts that come out every so often and somethimes the magnetic/true variation changes.