Question by Jenn: What would happen if our magnetic poles shifted/reversed?
What would happen if our magnetic poles shifted and/or reversed?
Would electronics still work?
Would the International Space Station be affected by a magnetic pole change?
Best answer:
Answer by carbonates
These transitions have happened, and in geologic time are fairly sudden, but they still take from 1,000 to several thousand years to take effect.
http://www.geomag.bgs.ac.uk/education/reversals.html
The last shift was 800,000 years ago.
Few electronics rely on the magnetic field. GPS units for example depend on satellites. You might have to learn to read your compass with the needle pointing south, but it will still work once a shift takes place.
The species of animals on the planet that rely partially on the magnetic field to navigate have all been around for longer than the current polarity has existed, so it is likely they can adapt to the change whenever it happens.
The magnetic field of the earth forms a “magnetosphere” that protects the earth from solar ions and charged particles coming from the rest of the galaxy. The International Space Station is within the magnetosphere. The shape of the magnetosphere is actually monitored in real time and is used by NASA and those who operate satellites to protect their equipment.
http://pixie.spasci.com/DynMod/
We actually do not know what would happen to the shape or strength of the magnetosphere during a reversal. It may not be of significant consequence, or it may be very important. It depends on what sort of technology exists when the next reversal takes place. Astronauts might need extra protection, but the Earth’s atmosphere is likely to protect the planet. If we have giant solar arrays in space by that time they might have a problem.
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