'Earth will flip': A 42,000-year-old tree holds clue to planet's magnetic past

Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh

Magnetic Chaos

Earth’s poles flipped 42,000 years ago, weakening the magnetic field and flooding the planet with deadly radiation.

Ancient Warning

A 42,000-year-old kauri tree preserved in New Zealand reveals the precise moment Earth’s shield collapsed.

Cosmic Exposure

With the magnetosphere weakened, solar and cosmic radiation surged, altering Earth’s climate and ecosystems.

Cave Survival

Early humans may have sought refuge underground, explaining the sudden rise of cave art during this period.

Representative pic

Neanderthal Doom

Some scientists believe this magnetic catastrophe contributed to the Neanderthals’ extinction by increasing environmental stress.

Field Weakening

Earth’s magnetic field has lost 9% of its strength in 170 years—could another reversal be on the horizon?

Technology Threat

A modern pole shift could devastate power grids, satellites, GPS systems, and global communications.

Radiation Spike

With a collapsing magnetosphere, UV radiation levels skyrocketed, possibly forcing humans to adapt or perish.

Future Uncertain

The past reveals a dire warning: if Earth’s field continues to weaken, civilization could face an unprecedented crisis.