Fragments of the ancient planet Theia deep within the Earth may cause the magnetic field to reverse over a long period.
Simulation of Earth’s magnetic field lines. Photo: NASA.
The Earth’s magnetic field appears to be undergoing some strange changes, with the magnetic north pole shifting from the Canadian Arctic towards Siberia. This ongoing upheaval has raised concerns about geomagnetic reversal, according to Astronomy magazine.
The speed of the magnetic north pole’s movement is up to 48 km per year. This is not the first instance of geomagnetic reversal, as the Earth has switched its magnetic poles at least 10 times over the past 2.6 million years. The most recent reversal occurred 780,000 years ago. Therefore, many scientists believe that the Earth is unlikely to experience a similar phenomenon again anytime soon.
However, researchers are still unable to fully predict these changes. Scientists suggest that the reversal of the magnetic field affects both natural phenomena and human technology. One significant threat is that Earth’s ability to protect itself from charged particles from the Sun and cosmic rays may weaken.
According to some geologists, periods of magnetic field reversal are linked to major extinction events in the past. They have found evidence suggesting that these unusual phenomena are caused by remnants of the ancient planet Theia. This celestial body collided with Earth about 4.5 billion years ago, leading to the formation of the Moon. The remaining remnants of Theia are believed to be buried deep within the Earth.
Recent geological studies indicate that these remnants consist of two rock masses larger than Mount Everest, denser and hotter than the rest of the Earth’s mantle. These rock masses affect the convection of molten iron within the Earth’s core, leading to a weakening of the magnetic field in the South Atlantic. The level of impact depends on the duration of the reversal. In cases where the magnetic field slowly reverses over thousands of years, both nature and humanity may be able to adapt to the phenomenon.
