Geomagnetic Pole
Definition
The point where Earth's idealized magnetic dipole axis meets the surface — the center the auroral ovals ring around.
In plain language
Earth's magnetic field behaves roughly like a tilted bar magnet. The ends of that imaginary magnet — offset from the geographic poles — are what the auroral ovals encircle.
The science
Geomagnetic poles derive from the dipole term of the IGRF field model, distinct from the wandering magnetic dip poles. The northern geomagnetic pole lies over the Canadian Arctic/Greenland region, drifting measurably per decade.
Why it matters for aurora viewing
The pole's offset toward North America is why Canada and the northern US enjoy better aurora odds than equal geographic latitudes in Europe.
See this in action on tonight's data.