Two bar magnets side by side but with their fields perpendicular to each other. This shows the magnetic field strength around these two magnets. It is zero at the bottom between the two magnets, where the fields circulate around from one to the other.
Allowing the thermometer bulb to touch the beaker will result in inaccurate readings because the thermometer will conduct heat from the beaker. This will be worse especially if the beaker is not at temperature equilibrium with the liquid inside. Also, don't handle the thermometer until the temperature levels off.
