Magnetic Poles of Earth

Earth has a magnetic field that acts like a giant magnet, with a north and a south magnetic pole. A compass needle lines up with this field, which is why it points roughly north. The field protects Earth from harmful particles from space.

Earth's magnetic poles move slowly over time. They have even swapped places many times in the planet's history. Scientists study the rocks on the seabed to learn how the magnetic field has changed.