In 1905, geophysicist Bernard Brunhes discovered the Earth's magnetic poles had been reversed: south and north pole had flipped! Scientists have since found out that the world's poles have flipped hundreds of times before. A report by Undark suggests the world may flip again soon. What does that mean for us?

Our planet's magnetic fields shield the Earth from cosmic and solar rays, and if the poles were to flip the shield would weaken. The magnetic charge between the south and north pole is known as the dipole, something Undark suggests is "under attack". If the magnetic poles were to reverse again, cosmic radiation could hit Earth. "When next the poles change places, the consequences for the electrical and electronic infrastructure that runs civilization will be dire".

This level of radiation could lead to a more damaged ozone layer, deadly streaks from the sun, galactic cosmic rays, and devastating ultraviolet rays. On a smaller scale, it means there would be no electricity. Imagine a world with no technology! It could make Earth inhabitable. 

The flipping is inevitable, and knowing when it will happen is also hard to guess. According to Undark, "we have drastically changed the chemistry of the atmosphere [...] impairing the life support system of the planet. Humans have built huge cities, industries and networks of roads [...], pushed perhaps a third of all known species toward extinction [...] Add cosmic and ultraviolet radiation to this mix, and the consequences for life on Earth could be ruinous."

This said, even if the Earth does flip it will it take another hundred years or more to do so. It most likely won't be in your lifetime!