14 DAY TRIAL // Information shared with the public by scientists with the European Space Agency says that, according to data at hand, our planet's magnetic field is growing weaker at a surprisingly fast rate.
Thus, measurements taken with a satellite array dubbed Swarm, which comprises three spacecraft named Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie, indicate that, for the time being, the field is weakening 10 times faster than normal.
As explained by Live Science, our planet's magnetic field is basically a ginormous bubble that, although not visible to the naked eye, plays a crucial role in keeping things on Earth nice and cozy.
Specifically, investigations have shown that, were it not for this magnetic field, which owes its existence to Earth's iron core, our planet would constantly be pounded by cosmic radiation originating from the Sun.
According to scientists who have taken the time to research it and its behavior, Earth's magnetic field extends to altitudes of as much as 370,000 miles (nearly 600,000 kilometers), and is no stranger to change.
On the contrary, modifications in the strength of the magnetic field surrounding our planet have many times been documented over the years. Still, what puzzles European Space Agency researchers is how fast such changes are taking place in this day and age.
In a nutshell, it appears that, rather than weakening at a rate of about 5% per century, Earth's magnetic field is now growing weaker at an impressive rate of 5% per decade. Besides, Swarm data indicates the weakest spots sit over the Western Hemisphere.
This is yet to be confirmed, but scientists with the European Space Agency have reasons to believe that this weakening of our planet's magnetic field is due to the fact that Earth's magnetic poles are getting ready to flip as a result of changes in the anatomy of Earth's core.
It is believed that, presently, our planet's magnetic north is working its way towards Siberia, and that, in time, it will move even farther from its current location. Fear not, such shifts have many times taken place in our planet's history, and scientists say there is nothing to worry about.
“Such a flip is not instantaneous, but would take many hundred if not a few thousand years. They have happened many times in the past,” Swarm mission manager Rune Floberghagen has told the press in a recent interview.
Although having the magnetic poles of our planet flip will not plunge our world into chaos, researchers warn that, all things considered, the phenomenon has high chances to upset power grids and communication systems.