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Ancient Trees Show When The Earth's Magnetic Field Last Flipped Out

A giant kauri tree grows in Waipoua Forest in Northland, New Zealand. Trees like this one that fell long ago and were preserved for thousands of years are helping researchers discern fluctuations in the Earth's magnetic poles. Kim Westerskov/Getty Images hide caption

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Kim Westerskov/Getty Images

Science

Ancient Trees Show When The Earth's Magnetic Field Last Flipped Out

A precise record of the last major reversal of the Earth's magnetic poles can be found in ancient trees. Researchers say this event 42,000 years ago had a huge impact on the planet and ancient humans.

Ancient Trees Show When The Earth's Magnetic Field Last Flipped Out

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As Magnetic North Pole Zooms Toward Siberia, Scientists Update World Magnetic Model

The sun sets over Canada's Arctic Archipelago. Earth's magnetic north pole has been moving away from the Canadian Arctic and toward Siberia at a rate of 55 kilometers (34 miles) per year. David Goldman/AP hide caption

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David Goldman/AP

Science

As Magnetic North Pole Zooms Toward Siberia, Scientists Update World Magnetic Model

The magnetic north pole has been drifting away from the Canadian Arctic at a brisk 55 kilometers — about 34 miles — per year, with ramifications for military and civilian travelers.

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