NYT: COLLAPSE OF THE EARTH'S MAGNETIC FIELD ACCELERATES (Via Drudge)

Drudge Report ^ | 7/12/04 | Drudge

[mkj6080]

The collapse of the earth's magnetic field, which both guards the planet and guides many of its creatures, appears to have started in earnest about 150 years ago, the NY TIMES is planning to report on Page Ones Tuesday.

Science reporter Bill Broad has filed a report, according to newsroom sources, which explores how: 'The field's strength has waned 10 percent to 15 percent so far and this deterioration has accelerated of late, increasing debate over whether it portends a reversal of the lines of magnetic force that normally envelop the earth."

Broad explains: "During a reversal, the main field weakens, almost vanishes, and then reappears with opposite polarity. Afterward, compass needles that normally point north would point south, and during the thousands of years of transition much in the heavens and Earth would go askew."

Broad claims: "A reversal could knock out power grids, hurt astronauts and satellites, widen atmospheric ozone holes, send polar auroras flashing to the equator and confuse birds, fish and migratory animals that rely on the steadiness of the magnetic field as a navigation aid."

Developing...

[mkj6080]

There was an interesting show on NOVA about it. It is clear from the geologic evidence, for example the Mid-Atlantic rift, that these reversals are periodic occurances. The cool thing is one would see the Northern Lights in lower latitudes. There would be an uptick in skin cancer rates but nothing catastrophic. The animal issue is interesting since this has happened before and the animals have been able to adopt.

[putupjob]

This never happened when Clinton was in office!

Leftist nut.

[COEXERJ145]

"Women and Minorities Hit Hardest"

[bluecollarman]

We're Doomed.

[Republicus2001]

do you have to put in batteries backwards?

[cardinal4]

Its Bush's connection to Oil that did it..

[MJY1288]

It's Bush's Fault

[theDentist]

I saw that program. The difficulty would be with those instruments that depend on magnetic north to perform correctly (navigation systems, some satellites, etc).

[glorgau]

The cool thing is one would see the Northern Lights in lower latitudes.

Unhhh, wouldn't they then be called the Southern Lights? :-)

[tall_tex]

Does this mean we weigh up to 15% less than we used to when we step on the bathroom scales. If so let me know so I can pass the good news to my wife. (she's at Curves working out as I type this)

[IncPen]

Broad claims: "A reversal could knock out power grids, hurt astronauts and satellites, widen atmospheric ozone holes

Wait, I thought that was global warming, caused by SUVs.

Doesn't anyone care about global warming anymore? Al Gore?

[Slings and Arrows]

Haliburton got the contract!

[snooker]

So, even the poles are joining the flip-flops.

[colorado tanker]

I suppose this is caused by SUV's, cellphones and global warming. And of course, it's all Bush's fault.

[luigi]

During a reversal, the main field weakens, almost vanishes, and then reappears with opposite polarity.

Sounds more like John Kerry than Bush.

[baltodog]

Soooo.....

Which way WOULD be North?

[TomServo]

Minorities, women and children hit hardest.

[MJY1288]

Dont you mean................... "Haliburton got the "No Bid" contract!"?

[gipper81]

Let's put together a list of potential stock market and futures markets plays. There's gotta be some money here.

[al baby]

How will this affect the millions of refrigerator magnets ?