South Geomagnetic Pole

The South Geomagnetic Pole is one of the two poles of the Earth's geomagnetic field, which is the magnetic field that surrounds the planet. It is the point on Earth's surface in the Southern Hemisphere where a perfect magnetic field, created by a simple bar magnet at the center of the Earth, would point straight up.

Location

The South Geomagnetic Pole is not the same as the Geographic South Pole or the South Magnetic Pole. Its location changes slowly over time. As of 2005 it was calculated to be located at 79°44′S 108°13′E / 79.74°S 108.22°E / -79.74; 108.22, In 2020, it moved and is now located at about 80.65°S latitude and 107.59°E longitude, in East Antarctica, near the Vostok Station.

Comparison

• South Geomagnetic Pole: The center point for a theoretical, ideal magnetic field of the Earth.
• South Magnetic Pole: The actual point on the Earth's surface where a compass needle points straight up. Its location changes every day and has been moving quickly over the last few decades.
• Geographic South Pole: The southernmost point on the Earth's axis of rotation. All lines of longitude meet here.

The South Geomagnetic Pole is important for scientists studying the Earth's magnetic field and how it protects our planet from space radiation.

1. ↑ "Geomagnetism Frequently Asked Questions". Ngdc.noaa.gov. Retrieved 2012-11-09.