Exploratour - The Magnetosphere of Mars
The Force of Magnetism and Magnetic Fields
The force of magnetism causes material to point along the direction the magnetic force points. This property implies that the force of magnetism has a direction. As shown in the diagram, if one side of the magnet is called the positive side, and the other side called the negative side, the force of magnetism flows from the positive side or pole, to the negative pole.
The force of magnetism coming from the magnet is called the "magnetic field", and is illustrated by lines. The magnetic field is strongest where the lines of force come together (and turn red), and is weakest when the lines of force are far apart (and turn blue).