The Polar Shift Theory The Polar Shift Theory explains the movement of the Magnetic North Pole. It is estimated that the Magnetic North pole has crept north over a distance of about 620 miles in the last 150 years. Scientists have previously determined the pole to be moving at the rate of 7 miles, but the rate has since increased to 34 miles per year and is heading to towards Russia. The magnetic north might get to Siberia over the next few decades. The increase in the rate of the Magnetic North's movement has not been fully explained. Some experts, however, point to the fact that a polarity flip occurred was about 800,000 years ago hence claiming that a polarity flip is long overdue.