The location of the north magnetic pole of earth's magnet is at a latitude of 79.74° N and a longitude of 71.8° W, a place somewhere in north __________.

The correct answer is Canada.

Key Points

• The north magnetic pole of the Earth's magnet is located at a latitude of 79.74º N and a longitude of 71.8º W, which places it within Canadian territory.
• The magnetic north pole is distinct from the geographic North Pole and is a point on the Earth's surface where the planet's magnetic field points vertically downwards.
• Canada has been home to the north magnetic pole for over a century, though its exact location shifts over time due to changes in the Earth's magnetic field.
• In recent years, the north magnetic pole has been moving from the Canadian Arctic towards Russia, but it still lies within Canadian territory.
• The movement of the magnetic north pole is monitored by various scientific organizations, including the Geological Survey of Canada and the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).

Additional Information

• Magnetic Declination:
  • Magnetic declination is the angle between magnetic north and true north.
  • This angle varies depending on where you are on the Earth’s surface and changes over time.
• Geomagnetic Reversals:
  • The Earth's magnetic field has reversed its polarity many times throughout history, a phenomenon known as geomagnetic reversal.
  • During a reversal, the magnetic north and south poles switch places.
• Role of Earth's Core:
  • The Earth's magnetic field is generated by the movement of molten iron alloys in its outer core, a process known as the geodynamo.
• Impact on Navigation:
  • The movement of the magnetic north pole affects navigation systems, including compasses, which must be regularly calibrated to account for changes in magnetic declination.
  • Modern navigation systems, such as GPS, are less affected by these changes but still consider magnetic variations for accuracy.