Magnetic lines of the Earth - magnetic dip angle bigger than naively expected

[RoGeorge]

 

[CatalinaWOW]

Didn't watch the video, but anyone who paid attention in a good physics class would know that the field of the earth is 3D, and is only parallel to the earths surface near the equator. 

Image using a compass in Newfoundland or in Alaska.   Both far north with strong vertical components.  And very different results due to the details of earths magnetic field.

[RoGeorge]

The surprise was that the angle is much bigger than I was expecting, because the magnetic core is much smaller than the whole Earth.  Also the tilt distribution is far from being uniform:

[GeoffreyF]

The surprise was that the angle is much bigger than I was expecting, because the magnetic core is much smaller than the whole Earth.  Also the tilt distribution is far from being uniform:

It's only a surprise because you formed an expectation without bothering to read the subject.  Your post is still pointlessly lacking in any effort at education.  I also suggest that you read up on how distortions occur with different types of map projection. 

[RoGeorge]

Well, it seems that magnetic lines tilted downward up to 30 degrees at the Equator is common knowledge for everyone but me.   

[chickenHeadKnob]

Well, it seems that magnetic lines tilted downward up to 30 degrees at the Equator is common knowledge for everyone but me.   

Understanding magnetic deviation+variation is basic component to all pilot training and quite evident, especially if you are a bush pilot in Canda's north or Alaska.

[Gyro]

This seems like a perfect opportunity for whoever it is around here, who has is location set to Antarctica, to pitch in a demo. 

[raptor1956]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't there need to be a pretty much equal number of lines exiting the Earth as there is entering the Earth.  The magnetic poles are not coincident with the axis of rotation which complicates things a bit and the makeup of the Earth is not consistent with variations in the distribution of iron and other ferromagnetic materials.


Brian

[duak]

Fun fact: it's called magnetic inclination or dip: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_dip

More than you might want to read about the field:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earth%27s_magnetic_field

In a book on the Hubble Space Telescope there was a reference to the South Atlantic Anomaly where it's computer would crash & then go into safe mode:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Atlantic_Anomaly

[RoGeorge]

Thank you. Title changed to include the proper term:  magnetic dip.

[cs.dk]

This seems like a perfect opportunity for whoever it is around here, who has is location set to Antarctica, to pitch in a demo. 

 

[CatalinaWOW]

Given the accelerating rate and direction of motion of the magnetic north pole there could be a new thread started:

"The Russians are stealing the North Pole"