Earth’s shifting magnetic north pole

Magnetic north is on the move, forcing an emergency update for GPS systems which need its precise location to function accurately

Since last GPS update in 2015, 2007 magnetic north, to which compasses point, has moved towards Siberia at over 48km per year


Agonic line*
Liquid outer core
Lower mantle
Upper mantle
Crust
Solid inner core

Geographic North Pole
Siberia (RUSSIA)
CANADA
Pacific Ocean
AUSTRALIA
NEW ZEALAND

How magnetic north has shifted

1590
1640
1730
1862
1900
1973 
1994
2001 
2019  

Location of magnetic north believed to be controlled by two patches of magnetic field beneath Canada and Siberia

Magnetic field generated mainly by movement of liquid iron outer core – spinning ball of molten metal 3,000km below Earth’s surface. Movement causes magnetic poles to shift, but cause of recent acceleration is unknown

*Imaginary line connecting north and south magnetic poles, along which compasses point to true north

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Sources: NOAA, NASA, Washington Post, AFP    © GRAPHIC NEWS