Reversal of Earth's magnetic poles

[N1LAF]

Here is an interesting article concerning the reversals of Earth's magnetic poles. In the past 100 years, the Earth's magnetic field strength has been decreasing, to the point that many compasses would be ineffective within the next 100 years. It is possible to speculate that this happening may be the beginning of a pole reversal. The article suggests that pole reversals from lava rock specimens indicate that pole reversals occur approximately every 200,000 years, with the last reversal occurring almost 800,000 years - way late.

The article centers on the speed of pole reversal, but still an interesting article.
http://www.physorg.com/news202971192.html

[N7YA]

I think its a plot by the compass makers to increase profit.

[N7RJD]

Reversal of Earth's magnetic poles

Isn't that when you stand in the middle of a crowd in Poland and yell "Hey you, Turn around!"

[N7RJD]

I think its a plot by the compass makers to increase profit.

That could be. It's already bad enough that they sell you the thing and then tell you "oh, but it may not be accurate."
They give a basic idea on the deal where you may have to shift your readings a degree or two and then refer you to
a book that they suggest you buy. Of course they suggest you buy it, they published the thing.

[PA5COR]

What's the problem.
The northpole is wandering all the time... http://www.farnorthscience.com/2007/...ic-north-pole/
Reversal would deliver interesting times ;)

[W1GUH]

No biggie. I'll just re-paint the needle in my compass. Oh, wait, what's the liquid in a compass? Anything vile?

[VK3ZL]

Yeah well....When it happens I am going to be able to call all you guys "Down Under"...

Bob..VK3ZL..

[N7YA]

We already are!

[KA5PIU]

Hello.

Ozone layer?
Solar activity?
Perhaps it is all linked together, I can only guess but there is no question whatsoever that any sort of failure of the magnetic poles would not be good.

[N2CHX]

All the gay people will turn straight and straight people will turn gay.