A magnetic book
ALMOST everyone has picked up a compass at some point in their lives and wondered why the needle points north, says Victoria University lecturer Gillian Turner.
Her book, North Pole South Pole explores what causes the Earth’s magnetic field, (without which we would be exposed to violent solar wind and cosmic rays), and the study of it… including an astonishing modern discovery.
At variable points in time, the Earth’s magnetic field does a complete flip. In modern times, this means we would see the needle swing from the North to the South.
The impact on Earth is unknown Turner says, but it takes between 5,000 to 10,000 years to go through the reversal. The last time it happened was ¾ of a million years ago.
At some point in the reversal process, the Earth’s magnetic field would be diminished.
“The field is what protects us from cosmic rays, and these impacts on the surface of the Earth could cause all manner of implications for life,” she says. “The physics is such there’s always sufficient energy in the core of the Earth to regenerate life. Life has survived it [in the past].”
Turner says you don’t have to have an interest in science to enjoy and understand North Pole South Pole, because “it’s a story with a universal fascination”.
She’s been fascinated with the Earth’s magnetism since 1976 after working as a research student.
Born in Wales, she was educated at Cambridge and Edinburgh, gaining a doctorate in geophysics.
“I did a physics degree. It’s interesting, but you have to have an application you’re hooked on, so in my last year I did a short course on geophysics (physics of the earth),” she says.
Turner and her husband came to Wellington after securing a shared lectureship at Victoria University.
North Pole South Pole is her first book and she started it at the end of 2007 during a period of study leave.
In her spare time, Turner uses the compass for fun. She’s a keen orienteer who has represented New Zealand.
“You can’t orienteer without a compass,” she laughs. “The whole family does it. My daughter has just taken off to Europe for it, so she’s now the top orienteer in the family.”
North Pole South Pole book launch, Alan MacDiarmid building, Victoria University, June 24.
Turner will also be speaking at Te Papa’s Science Express, 6.30pm, The Espresso Cafe, July 1.
Her book, North Pole South Pole explores what causes the Earth’s magnetic field, (without which we would be exposed to violent solar wind and cosmic rays), and the study of it… including an astonishing modern discovery.
At variable points in time, the Earth’s magnetic field does a complete flip. In modern times, this means we would see the needle swing from the North to the South.
The impact on Earth is unknown Turner says, but it takes between 5,000 to 10,000 years to go through the reversal. The last time it happened was ¾ of a million years ago.
At some point in the reversal process, the Earth’s magnetic field would be diminished.
“The field is what protects us from cosmic rays, and these impacts on the surface of the Earth could cause all manner of implications for life,” she says. “The physics is such there’s always sufficient energy in the core of the Earth to regenerate life. Life has survived it [in the past].”
Turner says you don’t have to have an interest in science to enjoy and understand North Pole South Pole, because “it’s a story with a universal fascination”.
She’s been fascinated with the Earth’s magnetism since 1976 after working as a research student.
Born in Wales, she was educated at Cambridge and Edinburgh, gaining a doctorate in geophysics.
“I did a physics degree. It’s interesting, but you have to have an application you’re hooked on, so in my last year I did a short course on geophysics (physics of the earth),” she says.
Turner and her husband came to Wellington after securing a shared lectureship at Victoria University.
North Pole South Pole is her first book and she started it at the end of 2007 during a period of study leave.
In her spare time, Turner uses the compass for fun. She’s a keen orienteer who has represented New Zealand.
“You can’t orienteer without a compass,” she laughs. “The whole family does it. My daughter has just taken off to Europe for it, so she’s now the top orienteer in the family.”
North Pole South Pole book launch, Alan MacDiarmid building, Victoria University, June 24.
Turner will also be speaking at Te Papa’s Science Express, 6.30pm, The Espresso Cafe, July 1.
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