Polar reversal is it real? (the reversal of the earths magnetic poles)?

Question

I was watching this program on the history channel about multiple ancient prophecies from different cultures and countries all over the world that say the world is going to end in 2012.

There was a segment where they were describing a phenomenon called polar reversal. What I got out of it is that when the planets align somehow the northpole and southpole will swap positions. but does that mean the whole earth will rotate for this to happen? The program said polar reversal will happen when the planets align in 2012 haven't the palnets aligned before with out anything happening why would the alignment in 2012 be different?

The program was called "decoding the past:doomsday 2012"

I would really apprciate the insight from people who have valid answers.

the scientist on the program were saying that there is some kind of imaginery line in space and right now we sit below this but in 2012 when the planets align earth will rise above this line and that when the poles switch.

the line somehow designates the polarity of the planets.
does anybody know what this is called?

they also said something about having proof that alaska was once the north pole.

Answer 1

Is polar reversal real?

Absolutely. It has happened in the past (several times per million years) and will again in the future. The reversals are sporadic, though, and there's really no way of telling if we are due for one.

Will it happen in 2012?

There is no reason whatsoever to think that polar reversal has anything to do with planetary alignments.

Answer 2

A magnetic polar reversal is a transformation in the Earth's magnetic field such that the positions of magnetic north and magnetic south become reversed. The final reversal became into approximately 780,000 years in the past. because of the fact it became into see you later in the past, no one knows for advantageous what motives it, whether that's organic and on a cycle, like sunspots, or whether that's brought about by utilising asteroid impression. Scientists think of that the poles will opposite sometime in the years 3000-4000 advert. What this might do, is unknown, and because we can't stay to work out it, it won't count number.

Answer 3

Well, it really has nothing to do planetary alignments; the Earth's molton iron core is what creates our magnetic field, and it drifts - we see evidence that the poles reversed many times in Earth's history, leaving, for a time, little to no magnetic field protecting us from solar wind. The North pole drifts as much as 5 miles per day, because of our liquid core.

It won't be catastrophic, but there will be increases in skin & other types of cancers, and the northern (and southern) lights will no longer be limited to the polar regions. Our satellites will encounter more resistance, and the lower Earth orbiting satellites will no longer have the advantage of the Van Allen belts protecting them from solar radiation.

In about 500 to 1000 years, the poles will re-appear, but most likely the average compass today would point to the SOUTH.

Answer 4

not only is it real but it may be imminent. it usually occurs at an average if every 250,000 years, and we are near that point today. no one is certain of the effects but it will be interesting to say the least :-P

btw its not planetary alignment but the earths core at work...

Answer 5

Don't know about reversal although polar shift has happened numerous times.

If the poles reversed, we would have to walk backwards and drive on the otherside of the road---HAHAHAHA!!

Don't believe everything you see on TV

Answer 6

Sure. As a matter of fact it did happened.

Answer 7

hell yes its going to happen, But don't worry not soon
Atleast not in ur life time.