Earth as a Magnet From Ms. Schlott at http://www.teachers.eischools.org/webpages/dschlott/physical.cfm?subpage=43508

How do you think that the Earth is just like a magnet?

Magnetic Field Caused by: The rotation of the Earth The circulation of molten material inside the core containing Iron and Nickel Both are naturally occurring elements N S

Geographic North Pole vs. Magnetic North Pole Northernmost point Not solid land Remains fixed Santa lives there Magnetic North Pole Point on Earth’s surface where magnetic force is the strongest Does not remain in one place Most likely due to circulations of molten core

Movement of the North Magnetic Pole

Magnetic Effects Aurora – Colorful light display caused by collisions between charged particles from space interacting with particles of atmosphere Aurora Borealis – Northern Lights Aurora Australis – Southern Lights