Originally posted by Phage
Originally posted by BlackProjects
If the magnetic field is breached then we are vulnerable to high energy cosmic rays which can lead to the destruction of cellular tissue..which in
turn can lead to cancer. This is the same problem facing an extended trip to say Mars. In other words we could be toast

No.
The magnetosphere does little to protect us from solar and cosmic radiation. Our atmosphere does that.
The magnetosphere helps to shield the ionosphere from the solar wind. The solar wind is not composed of high energy particles.
The scientists in the film "Magnetic Storm - Earth's Invisible Shield"
would disagree with you.
Magnetic Storm - Earth's Invisible
Shield
Every so often the Earth's magnetic field flips poles, and a lot of
scientists believe that is why it is getting weaker right now at
an accelerating rate.
Yes, that is right we are on the verge of Geomagnetic Reversal
and the field will be almost completely gone for a few years
til it is done.
Geomagnetic Reversal
Anomalies have already appeared where the field is flowing the
other way.
They have also said during the lowest point of the field a slightly
higher rate of cancer is likely.
About 100,000 more ppl per year will die due to the increase in
radiation til the field comes back up to decent strength.
It will likely not flip in our lifetime, but it does explain why the
magnetic north pole has been moving south steadily for a long
time as they reference the Angle of Declination for navigation
by compasses.
It also explains the rapidly weakening magnetic field, and could
be part of the cause for this hole in the magnetosphere.
[edit on 19-12-2008 by Ex_MislTech]