What if Earth was exposed to a huge magnetic field?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the hypothetical scenario of Earth being exposed to an extremely strong magnetic field, such as those near magnetars, and its potential effects on humanity and the planet. Participants consider various aspects, including the immediate lethal effects, the differences between moving and stationary magnetic fields, and the implications for Earth's rotation and climate.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that exposure to a magnetic field of 10^10 teslas would likely be lethal within a very short time frame, possibly under a second.
  • Others reference external sources, such as Wikipedia, to support claims about the lethal effects of such strong magnetic fields.
  • One participant raises concerns about the potential disruption to Earth's spin and its consequences, such as a return to an ice age.
  • Another participant notes that even a magnetic field of 16 teslas can levitate a frog, implying the extreme strength of the proposed field.
  • There is a humorous remark about the practical implications of such a magnetic field affecting everyday objects, like refrigerator doors.
  • A participant expresses concern about the induced electric fields resulting from a rapid change in magnetic field strength.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that exposure to such a strong magnetic field would be extremely dangerous, but there is no consensus on the specifics of the effects, the timeline of lethal exposure, or the broader implications for Earth's environment.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on external references and assumptions about the nature of magnetic fields and their effects on biological systems, which may not be fully explored or agreed upon in the discussion.

arusse02
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What would happen if the entire Earth was somehow exposed to a massive magnetic field, such as those found near magnetars, like 10^10 teslas, for about 1 second? Would everyone instantly die? What would be the impact of a moving magnetic field vs a stationary magnetic field be? How much time could we be exposed to that kind of field without dying?
 
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According to wikipedia, the effects of a magnetic field of that strength would be lethal. See here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetar#Magnetic_field

arusse02 said:
Would everyone instantly die? What would be the impact of a moving magnetic field vs a stationary magnetic field be? How much time could we be exposed to that kind of field without dying?

It's probably a safe bet to say that everyone would be dead in under a second.
 
Course disruption to Earth's spin over putting us back in ice age and most probably killing us
 
You can levitate a frog with just 16 Tesla.
 
It would become much harder to open the door of your refrigerator.:oops:
 
If you go from zero to ginormous to zero in a second, I'd be worried about the induced electric fields. Zap!
 
benhall96 said:
Course disruption to Earth's spin over putting us back in ice age and most probably killing us
As has already been pointed out, that's irrelevant because we would be dead LONG before that happened.
 

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