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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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Huge Holes Found in Earth's Magnetic Shield

The Earth is in for a wild geomagnetic ride

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(Newser) – Scientists have discovered two large and unexpected holes in the magnetic field that protects the Earth from solar winds, reports Space.com. The leaks won't pose any risk to health, but increased disruption to satellites and electrical systems can be expected when the cycle of solar storms reaches its next peak four years from now, experts say. The have no idea why the "leaks" occurred.

The holes in the magentosphere are much bigger than anything previously thought to exist, and scientists say the discovery has completely changed their understanding of how the bubble of magnetism works and how solar particles enter the atmosphere.  "What we observed was the breach in the levee," one physicist said. "This has taken us completely by surprise."

This image provided by NASA shows a new sunspot, upper right, which emerged in September after many weeks of a blank sun with no sunspots and very few sunspots this entire year.
This image provided by NASA shows a new sunspot, upper right, which emerged in September after many weeks of a blank sun with no sunspots and very few sunspots this entire year.   (AP Photo/NASA/ESA)
Scientists say that a pair of huge holes found in the magnetosphere mean Earth can expect an increase in disruption to electrical systems as solar storms peak.
Scientists say that a pair of huge holes found in the magnetosphere mean Earth can expect an increase in disruption to electrical systems as solar storms peak.   (Shutter Stock)
An Aurora Borealis spins above the Talkeetna Range and a hay field on Farm Loop Road near Palmer, Alaska, earlier this year. The auroras are the only visible part of the mangnetosphere.
An Aurora Borealis spins above the Talkeetna Range and a hay field on Farm Loop Road near Palmer, Alaska, earlier this year. The auroras are the only visible part of the mangnetosphere.   (AP Photo/Bob Martinson)
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