Earth’s magnetic field is the vector field generated primarily by dynamo action in the liquid outer core, where convective motion of electrically conducting iron alloys induces and sustains a predominantly dipolar geomagnetic field. It extends from the core through the mantle and crust into space, forming the magnetosphere via interaction with the solar wind. The field is characterized by its intensity, inclination, and declination, and exhibits secular variation, westward drift, and polarity reversals on geological timescales. It governs charged particle dynamics in near-Earth space, shapes radiation belts, and constrains models of core dynamics and planetary evolution.
Our planet rests inside a magnetic cocoon filled with plasma—but it's not always peaceful and quiet. Activity from the sun can send waves through this space, and some of those disturbances can even reach Earth, affecting ...
Planetary Sciences
Apr 17, 2026
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Magnetic rocks with iron oxide concentrations act as natural chroniclers of Earth's past continental movements. Using small samples of rocks, scientists can isolate magnetic grains that were frozen in orientation as the rock ...
Earth Sciences
Apr 16, 2026
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Scientists are working to understand how magnetic currents from the sun spread beneath Earth's crust when the northern lights dance across the sky. Their goal is to tame its "dark twin" and prevent damage to our power grid.
Planetary Sciences
Mar 27, 2026
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High-energy particles called galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) bombard unprotected objects in space, often causing damage. Earth, however, is protected by its magnetic field, which creates a protective shell around the planet that ...
Earth's magnetic field acts as a vital shield against radiation arriving from space, but it is not constant. A new international study has examined how a reduction of the magnetic field similar to the Laschamps excursion ...
Earth Sciences
Mar 25, 2026
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The history of Earth is written on the great tablets of tectonic plates. The motions of plates shaped land masses, formed oceans, and created the varied climates and habitats that set the stage for evolution and the diversity ...
Earth Sciences
Mar 19, 2026
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It seems improbable that a satellite designed to monitor polar ice sheets and floating sea ice could accurately measure a disturbance in Earth's magnetic field. But that is just what ESA's CryoSat mission did earlier this ...
Planetary Sciences
Mar 16, 2026
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Nocturnal insects may use both Earth's magnetic field and visual cues to guide their migratory flight behaviors, according to recent findings. The research, published in eLife, presents compelling evidence on how geomagnetic ...
Plants & Animals
Mar 3, 2026
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Every winter, thousands of tourists travel to high-latitude regions like Scandinavia, Canada, and Alaska hoping to see the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Vincent Ledvina, an aurora guide and Ph.D. student in space physics ...
Astronomy
Feb 24, 2026
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Several studies have predicted that not all geomagnetic reversals have been discovered, but it was unknown in which periods they might be hidden. Researchers led by the National Institute of Polar Research used a statistical ...
Earth Sciences
Feb 23, 2026
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