Book 21, Question 74
Why Does a Hanging Magnet Tilt Downward Near the Poles?
Earth's magnetic field lines do not just run across the ground. Near the poles, they dive straight down into the planet! Compass makers build different compasses for different parts of the world.
More fun facts
- Earth's field lines don't run flat along the ground everywhere.
- Hanging magnets can reveal how Earth's field lines tilt.
- At the Magnetic North Pole, the field points straight down.
- Near the magnetic equator, the field lines run flat, parallel to the ground.
- Scientists measure this downward tilt, called the dip, with a magnetic theodolite.
Sources: NOAA, Scientific American, Exploratorium
Questions kids ask
What is the magnetic equator?
It is the line around Earth where the magnetic field lines run flat, parallel to the ground.