The magnetic north pole is wandering

The magnetic north pole has been moving so fast that scientists have released an update of where true north really was, nearly a year ahead of schedule.

True north isn't quite where it used to be.

The magnetic north pole has been moving so fast that scientists on Monday released an update of where true north really was, nearly a year ahead of schedule.

Earth's north magnetic pole is wandering about 55 kilometers a year.

It crossed the international date line at the end of 2017. It's leaving the Canadian Arctic on its way to Siberia.

The shifting magnetic pole is a problem for compasses. Planes and boats also rely on magnetic north usually as backup navigation.


Share

1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
The magnetic north pole is wandering | SBS News