If you want to see the largest magnet known to man, look no further than the Earth beneath your feet. You would not feel the Earth’s magnetic force pull a metal object toward it; the magnetic force is only 0.3 Gauss compared to 100 Gauss of a small bar magnet. Nevertheless, the Earth’s magnetic force supports life on the blue planet.

The Earth’s magnetic field forms a magnetic shield, called the magnetosphere, above the Earth’s surface; approximately 70,000 km from the center of the Earth. The magnetosphere is in a vital region in space since it prevents the solar wind from entering the Earth’s atmosphere and wreaking havoc through the environments of all life forms. Think of the magnetosphere as a shield preventing the creation of another Mars, on Earth.

Solar wind can be as gentle and charming as the aurora borealis, or as harmful as a powerful electromagnetic field that can wipe out electronic data and trip down power lines. At high concentration levels, solar wind can cause sun burns, even various forms of cancer. At its deadliest concentration level, (should the magnetosphere suddenly lose its protective shield), life upon Earth would be fried in a very short span of time. We have a lot to thank the Earth’s magnetic field for, beyond just making possible the creation of the compass that guided Columbus to discover America.

Scientists are finding worrying signs that the magnetic field of the Earth is weakening slightly each year. Is there something the human kind can do to prevent it from totally shutting down? Only time will tell. The important thing is to understand that there is a shield above us, holding back the harmful wrath of the sun. Will it be there forever?

Author: Charlotte Starr
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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