Join CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter to delve into the mysteries of the universe. Stay updated on the latest discoveries, scientific breakthroughs, and more. If you’re using your smartphone, be informed that a crucial update has been made. Scientists have unveiled a new model tracking the magnetic north pole’s position, revealing that it has shifted closer to Siberia compared to five years ago and is steadily moving towards Russia. Unlike the fixed geographic North Pole, the magnetic north pole’s location is determined by Earth’s dynamic magnetic field. In recent decades, the movement of magnetic north has been unprecedented, with fluctuations in speed that have puzzled scientists.
Global positioning systems, utilized by aircraft and ships, rely on the World Magnetic Model to determine magnetic north. This model, developed by the British Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in 1990, predicts the future drift of magnetic north based on past trajectories. To maintain GPS accuracy, the model is revised every five years, updating the official position of magnetic north and projecting its movement for the next five years.
Dr. Arnaud Chulliat, a senior research scientist, emphasized the importance of timely updates to prevent errors in the model due to evolving magnetic field behavior. The recent release includes a standard WMM with a spatial resolution of about 2,051 miles at the equator and a high-resolution model with a spatial resolution of approximately 186 miles at the equator. While major airlines and NATO militaries will upgrade their navigation systems, most public GPS hardware will continue to use the standard model.
Transitioning to the new model should be seamless for GPS users, as the accuracy of previous predictions has been validated. However, the question remains: why do these updates occur, and why does magnetic north constantly move? The magnetic declination, which indicates the angle between magnetic and geographic north, is illustrated in the World Magnetic Model released in 2025.
To the west is the magnetic north, distinct from the true North Pole. The geographic North Pole sits at the pinnacle of Earth, where all lines of longitude intersect. Despite being concealed by shifting sea ice, the true North Pole remains fixed in its geographic position.
In contrast, the magnetic north pole represents the northern convergence point of Earth’s magnetic field, generated by the fluid metals within the planet’s core. This protective magnetosphere shields Earth from solar radiation and prevents solar winds from stripping away the atmosphere. Due to constant activity in Earth’s core, the magnetosphere remains dynamic, causing the magnetic north to continually shift.
Discovered by Sir James Clark Ross in 1831 in northern Canada, the magnetic north pole has migrated over time. Initially south of the true North Pole, it has drifted towards Russia, covering an elliptical path of about 75 miles daily. Notably, from 1990 to 2019, the pole’s movement saw unprecedented acceleration and deceleration.
Anticipated to slow its movement towards Russia, uncertainties remain regarding the future pace of drift. Earth has experienced magnetic field reversals in the past, with the poles flipping, a process that can last tens of thousands of years. The implications of such reversals on animal migration, communication, and navigation systems underscore the complexity and significance of Earth’s magnetic field dynamics.
In a world increasingly reliant on technology, the Earth’s magnetic field is a crucial shield against the dangers of space weather. Recent studies have suggested that the magnetic field might be weakening, raising concerns about the potential impact on our modern way of life.
Satellites orbiting the Earth could be particularly vulnerable to this weakening magnetic field, as it would provide less protection against space weather events. While our planet has experienced magnetic reversals in the past over millions of years, the presence of today’s advanced technology adds a new layer of complexity to the situation.
Dr. Elizabeth Brown, a leading expert in the field, highlighted the unique challenge that a magnetic reversal would present to modern engineers. “We’ve never experienced a reversal with our current level of technology,” she explained. “It would certainly be a fascinating time for engineers to adapt our technology, but ideally, they would have a gradual, centuries-long transition rather than a sudden change.”
The potential implications of a weakened magnetic field have sparked interest and concern among scientists and experts alike. Mindy Weisberger, a respected science writer and media producer, has been following these developments closely. Her work, featured in esteemed publications such as Live Science, Scientific American, and How It Works magazine, provides valuable insights into the intersection of science, technology, and society.
As we navigate the challenges of a changing magnetic field, staying informed is more important than ever. For the latest updates and analysis on this topic and more, be sure to visit CNN.com and create an account to access exclusive news and newsletters. Stay tuned for further developments as we explore the potential impacts of a weakening magnetic field on our technological landscape.
