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.
Magnetotelluric (MT) data, which contain measurements of electric and magnetic field variations at Earth's surface, provide insights into the electrical resistivity of Earth's crust and upper mantle. Changes in resistivity, ...
Earth Sciences
Oct 13, 2025
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In recent years, NASA's Parker Solar Probe has given us a close-up look at the sun. Among the probe's revelations was the presence of numerous kinks, or "switchbacks," in magnetic field lines in the sun's outer atmosphere. ...
Planetary Sciences
Oct 8, 2025
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An article published in the journal Communications Medicine points to a correlation between disturbances in Earth's magnetic field resulting from solar storms and an increase in the frequency of heart attacks, especially ...
Planetary Sciences
Sep 29, 2025
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The iron-rich core at the center of our planet has been a crucial part of Earth's evolution. The core not only powers the magnetic field which shields our atmosphere and oceans from solar radiation, it also influences plate ...
Planetary Sciences
Sep 17, 2025
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182
A new study led by Southwest Research Institute's Dr. Michael Starkey has provided observational evidence from the SwRI-led Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) Mission of pickup ions (PUIs) and associated wave activity in the ...
Planetary Sciences
Sep 10, 2025
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Imagine traveling to a new and distant place using only your senses to guide you.
Plants & Animals
Aug 16, 2025
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The region of space dominated by Earth's magnetic field is the magnetosphere. Observations have shown that, within this region, an electric force acts from the morning side to the evening side as seen from Earth. This large-scale ...
Planetary Sciences
Aug 6, 2025
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Earth is fortunate in having a magnetic field: it protects the planet and its life from harmful cosmic radiation. Other planets in our solar system—such as Mars—are constantly bombarded by charged particles that make life ...
Planetary Sciences
Jul 30, 2025
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The magnetosphere, formed by Earth's magnetic field, acts as a protective shield that deflects solar wind—the flow of charged particles constantly streaming from the sun toward our planet. This magnetic barrier protects our ...
Earth Sciences
Jul 22, 2025
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Our first meeting was a bit awkward. One of us is an archaeologist who studies how past peoples interacted with their environments. Two of us are geophysicists who investigate interactions between solar activity and Earth's ...
Planetary Sciences
Jul 19, 2025
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