another physics question to ponder

[Mo0o]

what would happen when the earth's magnetic pole's reverse itself? compasses aside, during the flip it would cause a lot of random space debris to impact earth in areas other than the poles

 

[FoBoT]

space debris? how is that?

 

[Malak]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
space debris? how is that?

GIANT MAGNETS

 

[Toastedlightly]

I'd be far more worried about solar radiation.

 

[Zolty]

This actually does happen for some unknown reason, the current understanding is that during the time when the poles are switching the magnetic field weakens or dissipates and would allow in far more solar radiation. Actual projectiles hitting the earth wouldn't be changed but they are saying that the interim period can last around a century.

 

[DrPizza]

It won't happen again though. We'll just drive a vehicle to the core of the earth and detonate a few nukes to get it spinning again.

(LOLOLOL, what a retarded movie!)

 

[Muse]

I believe I heard recently (can't remember where) that the poles are reversing imminently on earth.

 

[Malak]

Originally posted by: Zolty
This actually does happen for some unknown reason, the current understanding is that during the time when the poles are switching the magnetic field weakens or dissipates and would allow in far more solar radiation. Actual projectiles hitting the earth wouldn't be changed but they are saying that the interim period can last around a century.

When does this happen? I've never heard of it.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Malak

Originally posted by: Zolty
This actually does happen for some unknown reason, the current understanding is that during the time when the poles are switching the magnetic field weakens or dissipates and would allow in far more solar radiation. Actual projectiles hitting the earth wouldn't be changed but they are saying that the interim period can last around a century.

When does this happen? I've never heard of it.

It's supposed to be happening NOW.

 

[FoBoT]

it has happened numerous times

http://www.geomag.bgs.ac.uk/reversals.html

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/09/0909_040909_earthmagfield.html

 

[Mo0o]

Yeah i know that it happens with a rather steady period. Just wondering what happens when it does shift

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Yeah i know that it happens with a rather steady period. Just wondering what happens when it does shift

radiation get through to the surface and animals that use it get confused

i still don't see what it has to do with space debris

 

[LongCoolMother]

we won't be quite as well shielded from the solar wind for that period. of course, it won't be amazingly catastrophic, but we will see a significant increase of cases of skin cancer (perhaps an increase of hundreds of thousands) and probably some food shortages from destroyed crops.

On the flip side, we'll be able to see the Northern lights anywhere on the planet at night. that would be pretty cool.

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: FoBoT

Originally posted by: Mo0o
Yeah i know that it happens with a rather steady period. Just wondering what happens when it does shift

radiation get through to the surface and animals that use it get confused

i still don't see what it has to do with space debris

yeah i was completely off there. iw as thinking about electrons that start spiralling around the magnetic field lines and end up on the north north pole. i somehow extrapolated that to large rocks yeah i know im wr ong

 

[FoBoT]

ok

yeah, large rocks and electrons are different

at least you can still milk yourself, being a cow and all :thumbsup:

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: FoBoT
ok

yeah, large rocks and electrons are different

at least you can still milk yourself, being a cow and all :thumbsup:

i have trouble seeing as i have hooves and what not

 

[Squisher]

When will people wake up and see the damage we have done to the poles?

 

[Mo0o]

Originally posted by: Squisher
When will people wake up and see the damage we have done to the poles?

i did some damage to my pole

 

[FoBoT]

the sun does it too

http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2001/ast15feb_1.htm

 

[Malak]

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: Malak

Originally posted by: Zolty
This actually does happen for some unknown reason, the current understanding is that during the time when the poles are switching the magnetic field weakens or dissipates and would allow in far more solar radiation. Actual projectiles hitting the earth wouldn't be changed but they are saying that the interim period can last around a century.

When does this happen? I've never heard of it.

It's supposed to be happening NOW.

OH DEAR GOD THE SKY IS FALLING!

 

[DrPizza]

Originally posted by: Squisher
When will people wake up and see the damage we have done to the poles?

What on earth does that have to do with this thread? You do realize that:
A) The source of the magnetic field is deep within the earth
(Those pictures in grade school textbooks depicting a bar magnet ending at the poles are incorrect)
B) The magnetic poles aren't at the geographic poles; if the damage you're referring to is stuff like the ozone layer hole, thinning polar ice, etc.

 

[WHAMPOM]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
what would happen when the earth's magnetic pole's reverse itself? compasses aside, during the flip it would cause a lot of random space debris to impact earth in areas other than the poles

A lot of terminal sunburn and terrific Northern Lights.