Book 21, Question 59
Is the Magnetic North Pole Really Moving?
Earth's magnetic north pole is not staying still. It wanders across the Arctic year after year. The pole moved fastest in the early 2000s.
More fun facts
- James Clark Ross first found the North Magnetic Pole in northern Canada in 1831.
- Since then, it has moved across the Canadian Arctic toward Russia.
- A 2007 survey found it moving north-northwest at about 55 kilometers a year.
- Newer data show it moving the same way a bit slower, about 45 kilometers a year.
- In 2019, scientists released a key magnetic map a year early because the pole was moving unusually fast.
Sources: NOAA, NOAA, Smithsonian Magazine
Questions kids ask
Why does it matter if the pole moves?
Maps and navigation tools that use magnetic north need updating, so scientists keep track of where the pole is.