Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains Earth’s Magnetic Field and Magnetic Poles

We all know about Earth’s magnetic field, right? Well, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice are here with another StarTalk Radio explainer to fill you in on the things you might not know about Earth’s magnetic field and magnetic poles. Find out why Earth’s south magnetic pole is actually in the North. We discuss how Earth’s magnetic field is not aligned with Earth’s rotation axis. You’ll discover why when you use a compass to find North it’s most likely pointing to somewhere in northwest Canada. You’ll learn about the differences between Earth’s magnetic poles vs. Earth’s geographic poles. Neil tells us how to actually find true North. Neil also explains why the magnetic poles of the Earth flip and have flipped many times. We discuss the “dynamo theory.” Lastly, we take a look at the Sun’s magnetic field and how that impacts sunspots. All that, plus, Neil tells us why there’s no understanding of magnetic fields without quantum physics. Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio Subscribe to StarTalk: https://www.youtube.com/user/startalkradio?sub_confirmation=1 Follow StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalkradio/ About the prints that flank Neil in this video: "Black Swan” & "White Swan" limited edition serigraph prints by Coast Salish artist Jane Kwatleematt Marston. For more information about this artist and her work, visit Inuit Gallery of Vancouver https://inuit.com/. About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson