Researchers at Kyoto University used the Earth's magnetic field to search for axions and dark photons, two leading candidates for dark matter. The team set new limits on axion mass, rivaling previous constraints from astrophysical observations, and detected potential signals from dark photons.
SourceKyoto University·JournalProgress of Theoretical and Experimental Physics·TypeObservational study·DateAug 4, 2026
The University of Oldenburg is building a unique research facility to study animal navigation and magnetoreception. The NaviGate building will offer conditions worldwide for addressing current questions in animal navigation research, sensory biology, and neurosensorics.
A team of researchers applied adaptive-bandwidth kernel density estimation to analyze the latest reversal timing dataset, revealing four distinct dips in the new reversal frequency model following the Cretaceous Normal Superchron. This suggests that short-time-interval geomagnetic reversals may be missing from the compiled record.
SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 23, 2026
Researchers have identified a tiny 'GPS' system in ancient magnetic fossils, suggesting that animals may have used the Earth's magnetic field to navigate long distances for at least 97 million years. The discovery provides direct evidence of magnetoreception and sheds light on how animals evolved this ability.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateNov 18, 2025
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers used large-scale simulations to reproduce near-Earth space environment, confirming opposite charge polarities between regions. Plasma motion explains the reversal in equatorial plane.
SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Space Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 6, 2025
A team of geophysicists from ETH Zurich and SUSTech, China, used computer models to simulate whether a completely liquid core could generate a stable magnetic field. Their simulations showed that the Earth's magnetic field was generated in the early history of the Earth in a similar way to today.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 30, 2025
Researchers propose using soft X-rays to measure reconnection rates and monitor space weather. By analyzing bright X-ray features, they calculated a global reconnection rate of 0.13, closely matching theoretical predictions.
SourceChiba University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 22, 2025
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
The TRACERS mission will explore dynamic interactions between the Sun's and Earth's magnetic fields. By observing particles and fields in the northern magnetic cusp region, researchers can study how magnetic reconnection affects the space environment.
Researchers have discovered that Bogong moths use constellations of stars and the Milky Way to navigate long distances, making them the first known invertebrate to rely on a stellar compass for navigation. The moths also use the Earth's magnetic field to maintain their direction even when clouds obscure the stars.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025
A new study reveals that loggerhead sea turtles can learn and remember the unique magnetic signatures of different geographic regions, suggesting two distinct magnetic senses. This discovery offers insights into how turtles navigate vast distances to reach specific foraging and breeding grounds.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature·DateFeb 12, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers analyzed genomes of 363 bird species and found significant variations in cryptochrome 4 gene, indicating adaptation to environmental conditions. This specialization could be related to magnetoreception in migratory birds.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2024
Scientists have recovered a 3.7-billion-year-old record of Earth's magnetic field, revealing it to be remarkably similar to today's field. The study provides the oldest estimate of the strength of Earth's magnetic field derived from whole rock samples.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Solid Earth·DateApr 24, 2024
A study found that migratory bats are sensitive to the angle of magnetic inclination and use it for navigation. The soprano pipistrelle bat species calibrated its internal compass at sunset, taking into account both the horizontal component and inclination of the Earth's magnetic field.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers found that space weather events can trigger 'wrong side' failures in rail signalling systems, which are more hazardous than 'right side' failures. This study highlights the need for the industry to consider the risks of space weather and explore mitigation strategies.
SourceLancaster University·JournalSpace Weather·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 11, 2023
Researchers used seismic data to locate and identify a thin layer of molten silicates overlying Mars' metallic core. The discovery reveals a denser and smaller Martian core, aligning with other geophysical data and analysis of Martian meteorites. This finding provides new insights into how Mars formed, evolved, and became a barren planet.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2023
Researchers used data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe to explain how the solar wind surpasses speeds of 1 million miles per hour. The energy released from the magnetic field near the sun's surface drives the fast solar wind, comprising ionized particles flowing outward from the sun.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeObservational study·DateJun 7, 2023
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
Researchers use heavy hydraulic presses to mimic early Earth's conditions and recreate the differentiation process in miniature. They found that iron melts could pass through grain boundaries, exchanging chemical elements like oxygen and sulfur with the surrounding mantle.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Researchers found that sharks rely on magnetic fields to guide them during long-distance migrations. Bonnethead sharks were used in experiments, which showed that they orient themselves based on the magnetic field, even when exposed to fields outside their natural range.
SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 6, 2021
Researchers have found that 42,000-year-old New Zealand kauri trees can accurately analyze the last complete reversal of the Earth's magnetic field. The study's findings suggest that the weak magnetic field had a significant impact on the atmosphere, leading to increased cosmic radiation and changes in ozone levels.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2021
A new study reveals that a 42,000-year-old magnetic reversal led to significant changes in atmospheric ozone concentration and circulation. The event, known as the Laschamps excursion, caused substantial shifts in climate and environmental patterns worldwide.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 2021
A 270,000-year-old core from a Tasmanian lake provides the first Australian record of a geomagnetic excursion, where the Earth's magnetic field 'switched' and spectacular auroras were observed. This discovery has significant implications for understanding past climate change and developing new paleomagnetic dating tools.
SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalQuaternary International·DateFeb 15, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
The South Atlantic Anomaly, a weak spot in Earth's magnetic field, allows charged particles to dip closer to the surface, posing a threat to satellites. Recent observations show the anomaly is expanding westward and weakening in intensity, creating additional challenges for space missions.
Research by University of Liverpool reveals strange magnetic behaviour in South Atlantic region dated back eight to 11 million years ago. The study suggests that today's South Atlantic Anomaly is not a new phenomenon and may be linked to features of the Earth's interior.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2020
Researchers used computer simulations and geological records to estimate magnetic field changes. They found that changes in the direction of the Earth's magnetic field may occur up to 10 times faster than previously thought, with rapid shifts associated with local weakening of the field.
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 6, 2020
Multiple transpolar auroral arcs are formed by plasma flow shears and electrical currents along the Earth's magnetic field. The study reveals insight into coupling processes in the Earth's magnetotail under a northward interplanetary magnetic field.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2020
A team of scientists from MIT has found evidence to contradict previous claims that the Earth's magnetic field existed beyond 3.5 billion years ago. The researchers studied zircons excavated from an ancient outcrop in Western Australia and concluded that these minerals are unreliable as recorders of ancient magnetic fields.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Scientists have discovered that Earth's magnetic field reversal took at least 22,000 years to complete, contradicting previous estimates of up to 9,000 years. The new analysis provides a detailed look at the turbulent time when the field weakened and partially shifted before finally reversing.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2019
Jürgen Matzka has proposed a simplified approach to improve the global magnetic field model, reducing costs and equipment needs. The winning idea aims to measure magnetic field strength from satellites and only require one directional component on ground stations.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateJun 20, 2019
Researchers from Germany, France, Denmark, and the USA have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Earth's magnetic field. By studying iron oxide hematite under extreme conditions, they found that it retains its magnetic properties even deep in the mantle, challenging the long-held assumption of its non-magnetic nature.
SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2019
A Yale-led team discovered that molten iron alloys containing silicon and oxygen form two distinct liquids under conditions similar to those in the Earth's core, mimicking the separation of oil and vinegar in salad dressing. This finding provides new insights into the evolution of Earth's magnetic field.
SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2019
Researchers reproduced geomagnetic jerks using a computer simulation that mimicked the Earth's core conditions. The study revealed hydromagnetic waves as the primary cause of these events.
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed magnetic field sensors that can detect biomagnetic fields produced by the human body under normal ambient conditions. The sensors can detect signal strengths far below a billionth of a tesla, enabling non-contact medical diagnostics and geophysical applications.
Researchers report a high-resolution geomagnetic field record spanning 1,500 years from Brazilian caves, indicating recurrent periods of rapid directional change consistent with westward migration and expansion of reversed flux patches. The study provides insights into the core-mantle boundary dynamics and Earth's magnetic field evolut...
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2018
Scientists at HZDR create an electronic skin with magnetosensitive capabilities, allowing humans to perceive the Earth's magnetic field. The sensor is thin, malleable, and can be attached to human skin, facilitating interaction in virtual and augmented reality.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNature Electronics·DateNov 15, 2018
Researchers have successfully measured the Earth's magnetic field in the sodium layer of the mesosphere using laser-generated artificial stars. This technique allows for ground-based observations of the mesosphere, previously difficult to access, and holds promise for monitoring space weather and measuring electrical currents.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 14, 2018
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Nonmigratory Atlantic salmon can extract positional information from Earth's magnetic field, orienting themselves appropriately in response to different magnetic conditions. This skill may enable salmon escaping from aquaculture to better navigate and invade habitats, challenging previous assumptions about their navigational abilities
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2018
Researchers found that Bogong moths rely on the Earth's magnetic field to steer flight during migration, similar to night-migratory birds. The moths use a magnetic sense to determine their migratory direction and align it with celestial or terrestrial landmarks.
Researchers at Lund University found that certain nocturnally migrating insects can explore and navigate using the Earth's magnetic field. The study used a flight simulator with a system of magnetic coils to investigate how the Bogong moth knows in which direction to fly, revealing its use of both visual landmarks and the magnetic field.
SourceLund University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 21, 2018
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Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
Researchers confirm connection between plate tectonics, mantle flow and magnetic field reversals, suggesting a 120-130 million year delay. This finding provides new insights into the interaction between Earth's crust, mantle and core.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalTectonophysics·DateJun 5, 2018
Researchers analyzed data from NASA's Magnetospheric Multiscale mission and found magnetic reconnection occurring at the smallest scale of electrons, creating hot jets of plasma that dissipate turbulence. This process was previously unknown at small scales, but it confirms reconnection is happening on these scales.
SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateMay 9, 2018
Scientists from GFZ and universities reconstructed past changes in Earth's magnetic field using paleomagnetic data. They found that the South Atlantic Anomaly is unlikely to be a precursor of a pole reversal, as it was followed by increased field strength and disappearance of similar anomalies in the past.
SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A study of recent geomagnetic excursion events found no resemblance between current changes and past reversals, suggesting recovery without extreme event. The research implies the weakened magnetic field will recover, making a reversal unlikely.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018
Researchers developed a global model of the geomagnetic field between 30,000 and 50,000 years ago, revealing that the current field does not resemble past excursions. The study suggests that future reversals or excursions cannot be predicted by analyzing present-day field structures.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018
Scientists propose a new model where a heavy layer of molten rock sits on top of the Moon's metal core, driving the dynamo and creating a strong magnetic field. This model explains the Moon's early strong magnetic field and its subsequent weakening.
SourceArizona State University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateApr 24, 2018
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers at Lund University discovered that Cry4 protein in birds' eyes is a key magnetoreceptor, providing constant levels throughout the day. This finding supports the idea that other animals have magnetic receptors and may aid in developing new navigation systems.
SourceLund University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 6, 2018
Scientists used 3D data to calculate voltages along power lines in the mid-Atlantic region, finding significantly different results compared to previous 1D calculations. The study suggests that 3D data should be used whenever available to determine vulnerable areas of the power grid.
SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalSpace Weather·DateMar 8, 2018
Researchers gathered ancient clay samples to compile a record of Earth's magnetic field strength over many centuries, revealing the South Atlantic Anomaly is part of a recurring phenomenon. The data suggests that the region under southern Africa may be responsible for recent changes in the global magnetic field.
Researchers used computational simulations to test the effectiveness of various radical pairs in avian magnetoreception. The results indicate that the current understanding of the radical-pair mechanism cannot explain the disruption of the bird's magnetic compass by certain radiofrequency magnetic fields.
SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateOct 3, 2017
Scientists have identified patterns in the Earth's magnetic field that evolve on a 1,000-year timescale, allowing for finer resolution of past changes. This discovery enables researchers to study the planet's history with greater precision using a 'geomagnetic fingerprint'.
SourceOregon State University·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 6, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers found that non-migratory birds like zebra finches utilize a built-in magnetic compass to orient themselves using the Earth's magnetic field. The study suggests that this mechanism is more general and not specific to migration.
SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMay 18, 2017
A new study examines the effects of high-altitude nuclear explosion tests on Earth's magnetic environment, revealing similarities with natural radiation belts and auroras. The research sheds light on the impact of space weather on satellites and astronauts.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalSpace Science Reviews·DateMay 17, 2017
New research suggests that Earth's ancient magnetic field had multiple poles and fluctuated wildly in terms of intensity. The findings propose a new hypothesis for the solidification of the inner core and its impact on the magnetic field.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 24, 2016
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt discovered that birds use a light-independent radical pair to detect the Earth's magnetic field lines. This finding indicates a special evolutionary adaptation in birds, as cryptochrome is used exclusively for light perception in other organisms.
SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalInterface·DateJun 6, 2016
BARREL's observations showed the open-closed boundary moving within minutes, providing a map of its location. Scientists can now refine simulations of how magnetic fields change around Earth due to this precise mapping.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers analyze MMS data to understand magnetic reconnection, a process that produces powerful phenomena including solar flares and large releases of plasma from the sun's corona. The mission provides high-resolution measurements of particles and electric and magnetic fields at the electron scale.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2016
The MMS mission directly observed magnetic reconnection for the first time, revealing a critical step in understanding space weather. By studying the phenomenon, scientists can better understand solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and auroras.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 2016
Researchers detect cryptochrome 1 in photoreceptors of dog-like carnivores and primates, hinting at a magnetic sense linked to the visual system. The molecule's presence suggests that these animals may use it to perceive the Earth's magnetic field.
SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2016
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
New measurements suggest the Earth's magnetic field is trending back to its long-term average intensity, contrary to predictions of a potential flip. The research uses advanced analysis techniques to re-evaluate paleointensity data, finding a 60% decrease in the field's strength over the past 5 million years.
SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 24, 2015
A new study published in Nature indicates that the Earth's inner core was formed between 1 and 1.5 billion years ago, based on magnetic records from ancient igneous rocks. This finding suggests that the solid inner core started to form as it cooled from the surrounding molten iron outer core.
SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature·DateOct 7, 2015
Scientists believe the Earth's magnetic field arose at least four billion years ago, according to research published in Science. The findings support previous geochemical measurements on ancient zircons that suggest an age of around 4.4 billion years.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·DateJul 30, 2015