Hi,

Here is an article the appeared in today New York Times. I wounder if the chances in the earth's magnetic field will have any adverse effect on the Gravity Probe B mission. Below is an excerpt of the article. You will need to register to read the entire article.

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Will Compasses Point South?

By WILLIAM J. BROAD
Published: July 13, 2004

The collapse of the Earth's magnetic field, which both guards the planet and guides many of its creatures, appears to have started in earnest about 150 years ago. The field's strength has waned 10 to 15 percent, and the deterioration has accelerated of late, increasing debate over whether it portends a reversal of the lines of magnetic force that normally envelop the Earth.

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http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/13/science/13magn.html?pagewanted=1&th

Regards,

LelandJ