Earth’s magnetic pole is shifting…again

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — According to new research, the Earth’s magnetic pole is shifting and rewriting the rules of navigation.

Now scientists from NOAA and the British Geological Survey have released an updated version of the World Magnetic Model (WMM), redefining where compasses and navigation systems point toward magnetic north. Unlike the geographic North Pole, which remains fixed, the magnetic North Pole—where Earth’s magnetic field plunges straight downward—drifts as molten iron and nickel churn deep inside our planet.

For hundreds of years, magnetic north crept gradually across northern Canada. But over the last two decades, its pace suddenly surged, sending it racing toward Siberia at speeds of up to 50 km (31 miles) per year. Recently, that motion has slowed to about 35 km (22 miles) per year—the sharpest slowdown ever recorded. Scientists believe this behavior is controlled by two enormous magnetic “lobes” beneath Canada and Siberia that tug the pole back and forth.

This wandering pole has real-world consequences. Relying on outdated magnetic models can lead to navigation errors of up to 150 km (93 miles) over long distances. While smartphones and consumer devices update quietly in the background, sectors like aviation, maritime navigation, and defense depend on extremely precise magnetic data. 

The new 2025 WMM addresses this by introducing a much higher-resolution map, delivering more than ten times the detail of earlier versions. A subtle planetary shift—but a critically important update.

Information provided by Secrets of the Universe