MYSTERY: Scientists discover the plot of a terrestrial magnetic field | Canals

The Earth's magnetic field moves unexpectedly and intrigues scientists, who are already studying the redefinition of concepts on the subject.

Our planet works like a giant magnet, with positive and negative poles, because the nucleus is made up of a liquid metal. The magnetic field is a "layer" of force between the two poles, called the magnetosphere, which protects the surface of the Earth.

"It's the magnetic field that protects us from the particles coming from the outside, especially the solar wind (which can be very harmful)," explained the geologist and researcher of the project. Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics of the University of São Paulo (USP) Ricardo Ferreira Trindade

Much of the magnetic field is generated by the movement of liquid metals that constitute the center of the planet. Thus, with the variation of the flux, the field changes. As Trindade explains, what worries him is that he has "varied at a much greater speed than before in the last ten years".

The magnetic field of the North Pole is constantly changing position, but within a known limit. Although the direction of the changes is unpredictable, the speed was generally constant. However, magnetic north has recently moved at a much faster rate than that predicted by scientists.

The changing behavior of our planet is leading experts to revisit the global magnetic model. According to Trindade, this mapping "is created from a set of observations made around the world over a period of 5 years, from which a global pattern that changes over time and in the future." space is badembled, showing the variability of the field ". 19659002]

The model is used in various navigation technologies, such as those guiding ships and Google Maps. "It's fundamental for geolocation and even for positioning satellites," said the geologist.

The last update of the model dates from 2015 and is expected to remain in effect until 2020. However, the speed with which the magnetosphere has changed forces scientists to update the model in advance .

According to the scientific journal "Nature & # 39 ;, the Noaa (Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Center) researchers in the United States and the British Geological Survey Center understood that the model was about to to generate navigation errors and started its update, which should be ready by January 30, 2019.