Why Do Compass Needles Wiggle During a Magnetic Storm?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do compass needles wiggle during a magnetic storm?

The Big Idea

Sometimes the Sun throws out a giant burst of charged particles. When they hit Earth's magnetic field, they shake it, and that can make a compass needle wiggle. Let's find out what happens during a magnetic storm, and why the sky might glow with colorful lights far from the poles.

A Burst From the Sun

Step one: a burst from the Sun. Sometimes the Sun throws out a big burst of charged particles. They fly across space and slam into Earth's magnetic field.

The Field Shakes

Step two: the field shakes. The particles shake Earth's field and add extra currents in space and in the upper air. The field near the ground changes for a few hours.

Needles Twitch

Step three: needles twitch. A compass needle may twitch or drift during the storm. Auroras may appear much farther from the poles than usual.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! The Sun sends a big burst. Earth's field gets shaken. Compass needles twitch. Auroras reach far from the poles.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Strong storms can make auroras visible in places where they are rarely seen. Compass needles twitch for a few hours. The bursts start at the Sun. Then the field settles down again.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Hold a magnet near a compass. Wiggle the magnet back and forth. Watch the needle jump around. That is what a storm might do. Then tell a friend what you found out.

Outro

A magnetic storm shakes Earth's field, so compass needles twitch and auroras spread. Science is amazing! Stay curious! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!