The Magnetic Field

Earth has an invisible force around it called the magnetic field. It is like a giant bubble made of magnetism. The field reaches far out into space. It protects our planet and helps keep us safe from the sun's harmful rays.

Where It Comes From

The magnetic field is made deep inside Earth. The liquid metal in the outer core swirls around as Earth spins. This moving metal creates the magnetic field. The field has a north pole and a south pole, just like a regular magnet. That is why a compass needle points north.

A Shield from Space

The sun sends out a stream of particles called the solar wind. These particles can be dangerous to living things. Earth's magnetic field pushes most of them away. Sometimes the particles make beautiful glowing lights near the poles called auroras. Without the magnetic field, life on Earth would be very different.

Fun Facts

• A compass works because its needle lines up with Earth's magnetic field.
• Some animals like birds and sea turtles use the magnetic field to find their way.
• The magnetic poles slowly move a little bit every year.

Did You Know?

The northern lights and southern lights happen when particles from the sun crash into Earth's magnetic field near the poles.