Earth's Magnetic Field interactive

This interactive animation lets you explore the magnetic field surrounding Earth. Drag the compass through the space around Earth to explore the shape of Earth's magnetic field. Many spacecraft have instruments called magnetometers that help scientists map out the shape of planetary magnetic fields.

(Note: If you cannot see the animation below, or it is not working properly, you may need to download the latest Flash player.)

Last modified March 18, 2004 by Randy Russell.

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Windows to the Universe, a project of the National Earth Science Teachers Association, is sponsored in part is sponsored in part through grants from federal agencies (NASA and NOAA), and partnerships with affiliated organizations, including the American Geophysical Union, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Earth System Information Partnership, the American Meteorological Society, the National Center for Science Education, and TERC. The American Geophysical Union and the American Geosciences Institute are Windows to the Universe Founding Partners. NESTA welcomes new Institutional Affiliates in support of our ongoing programs, as well as collaborations on new projects. Contact NESTA for more information. NASA ESIP NCSE HHMI AGU AGI AMS NOAA