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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry

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Factual: Science & Nature

Factual: Science & Nature: Science & Technology

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries.

Science sleuths Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate everyday mysteries sent by listeners.

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The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 7

The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry: Series 7: The Polar Opposite

26/09/2017

The Polar Opposite

Series 7

BBC Radio 4 - The Curious Cases of Rutherford & Fry, Series 7, The Polar Opposite

What would happen if the Earth's magnetic poles flipped?

The Earth's magnetic poles have reversed in the past, but the last swap happened before modern humans existed. When is the next pole swap due, and what will happen to us?

No one knows why the Earth's magnetic North and South poles swap. But polar reversals have happened hundreds of times over the history of the Earth.

So, asks John Turk, when is the next pole swap due and what will happen to us?

Hannah turns to astronomer Lucie Green from Mullard Space Science Laboratory to discover how the earth's magnetic field protects us from the ravages of space. And Adam consults geophysicist Phil Livermore from the University of Leeds to find out if, and when, we're facing a global apocalypse.

Plus astronaut Terry Virts, author of The View from Above, describes his experiences of a strange magnetic glitch in the earth's magnetic field, known as The Bermuda Triangle of Space, which could help us prepare for the next event.

Presenters: Hannah Fry, Adam Rutherford
Producer: Michelle Martin.

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Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Dr Adam Rutherford and Dr Hannah Fry investigate science mysteries sent by listeners.

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Series 7

The Polar Opposite

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