norðurpólnum

Norðurpólnum, also known as the North Magnetic Pole, is the point on the Earth's surface in the Northern Hemisphere where the planet's magnetic field lines point directly downwards. This location is not fixed; it drifts over time due to changes in the Earth's molten iron core. The current position of the North Magnetic Pole is in the Arctic Ocean, north of Canada and west of Greenland. Its movement is monitored by various scientific organizations.

Unlike the geographic North Pole, which is a fixed point at 90 degrees north latitude, the magnetic pole's location varies. The Earth's magnetic field acts like a giant bar magnet, with a north and south magnetic pole. However, the magnetic north pole is actually a magnetic south pole, and vice versa, due to the convention of defining magnetic poles.

The North Magnetic Pole's drift has accelerated in recent decades, moving from its historical position in northern Canada towards Siberia. This drift can affect navigation systems that rely on magnetic compasses. Scientists track its movement using ground-based magnetic observatories and satellite data. The precise location of the North Magnetic Pole is crucial for understanding the dynamics of Earth's magnetic field and its protective shield against solar radiation.