Could the changing magnetic field erase computer data?

Don't worry about that. The strength of the Earth's magnetic field is too weak ...about 0.5 Gauss...to do much. A typical magnet capable of serious damage to magnetic disks requires several hundred Gauss at very close range.

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All answers are provided by Dr. Sten Odenwald (Raytheon STX) for the
NASA IMAGE/POETRY Education and Public Outreach program.