Earth's magnetosphere is an invisible shield, protecting our planet from harmful solar radiation. <br /> <br />Many living organisms - from bacteria to insects or birds - seem to rely on Earth's magnetic field to navigate. Man has been doing so for a thousand years since the invention of the compass. <br /> <br />But research shows the magnetic field is weakening and scientists are trying to understand why. <br /> <br />Some believe it signals a pole reversal in progress, not an uncommon phenomenon in the history of our planet.<br /> <br />As ground observatories fail to grasp the whole picture, we are sending magnetometers into orbit to try to measure the magnitude and the direction of the magnetic field. <br /> <br />Find out more, this week, in Space.
