Eli5 : What is the difference between the Geomagnetic poles and the Magnetic poles of the Earth?
In: Physics
The geomagnetic poles are a theoretical approximation of the magnetic poles. The magnetic field of the Earth is not a nice uniform field. The Earth core and mantle consists of various different types of rock in different magnetic orientations and is constantly moving so the magnetic field is actually quite chaotic. It is not as chaotic as the magnetc field of the Sun but the principle is similar. But this makes it very hard to model as there is no simple formula for calculating the magnetic field but instead you have to map it out. So when we want to model the magnetic field but without all that complexity we use the geomagnetic model which is an approximation of the magnetic field of the Earth but assumes the uniform field of a simple bar magnet instead. For most purpuses this is a sufficient model and much easier to use.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m guessing you’re looking for the difference between the geomagnetic poles and geographical poles. The geomagnetic poles and magnetic poles are the same thing.
Geographic North and South are the Northern and Southern end of the axis running through the Earth that it rotates around.
(Geo)magnetic North and South are, essentially, where a magnet would theoretically stick to the Earth. Said another way, if the Earth were a giant bar magnet, (or when treating it like one while doing calculations), magnetic N and S would be N and S on the magnet.
If you go to the North Pole and look at your compass, it’ll still be pointing North and if you follow it, it’ll lead you from the North pole to magnetic North.
To use an example. Spin a basketball on your finger. The very top is North, the bottom (where your finger is) is South. Makes sense, right. Now put a magnet inside the basketball. The top and bottom of the ball are still [Geographical] North and South. The orientation of the magnet will define the ball’s Magnetic North and South.
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