Scientists have discovered a doughnut-shaped structure in Earth’s outer core, potentially impacting the planet’s magnetic field. This discovery, made through analyzing earthquake waves, reveals a region where seismic waves move slower, suggesting the presence of lighter elements. Understanding this structure could be crucial for deciphering the complex dynamics of Earth’s magnetic field, a vital shield protecting life on our planet.
Earth’s inner core, a solid ball of iron and nickel, plays a vital role in generating our magnetic field, protecting us from harmful solar radiation. However, scientists face a perplexing mystery: the formation and age of this core. While mineral physics offers insights, understanding the complex process of supercooling and its impact on the inner core’s age remains a challenge.
A new study analyzing moon rocks brought back by Apollo astronauts suggests that the moon may hold a record of Earth’s earliest atmosphere, which has been lost on our own planet. The research indicates that the moon’s magnetic field existed for only the first 140 million years of its existence, allowing it to capture ions from Earth’s atmosphere 4.36 billion years ago. This discovery could provide valuable insights into the composition of Earth’s early atmosphere, a period that remains largely unknown due to the lack of preserved rocks.
A new study suggests that Mercury may have a layer of diamonds hundreds of miles below its surface. This discovery could help explain the planet’s magnetic field and provide insights into the formation of other carbon-rich planets.
NASA’s Maven orbiter has captured remarkable footage of aurora lights illuminating Mars in vibrant purple hues. These auroras, unlike their counterparts on Earth, envelop the entire planet due to Mars’ lack of a strong magnetic field. The images, taken between May 14 and 20, provide insights into the planet’s interactions with solar storms and particle emissions.
The dazzling auroras that have been captivating audiences in the United States are expected to return with even greater intensity on Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. The current geomagnetic storm is the result of intense Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) from the Sun, which are expected to impact the Earth’s magnetic field late Sunday or early Monday. Scientists anticipate that the resulting geomagnetic storms could reach extreme levels, although they may not surpass the intensity of Friday’s historic event.
A new study suggests that the weakening of Earth’s magnetic field around 591 million years ago may have played a crucial role in the evolution of life. The research, published in the journal ‘Geology’, analyzed ancient rocks from South Africa and Brazil, revealing a significant weakening of the magnetic field during the Ediacaran Period (about 635 million to 541 million years ago). This period is associated with the ‘oxygenation event’, when the atmosphere and oceans became more oxygen-rich, leading to the evolution of larger and more mobile life-forms.
