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Searching for dark matter with the world's biggest detector

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

Missing geomagnetic reversals in the geomagnetic reversal history

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

A fully liquid Earth’s core also generates a magnetic field

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

Scientists discover molten layer covering Martian core

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

42,000-year-old trees allow more accurate analysis of last Earth's magnetic field reversal

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.

Magnetism discovered in the Earth's mantle

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

Geomagnetic record of South Atlantic Anomaly

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

Earth's magnetic field measured using artificial stars at 90 kilometers altitude

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

Magnetic map of Atlantic salmon

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

Watch: Insects also migrate using the Earth's magnetic field

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

The South Atlantic Anomaly is probably not an evidence of a reversing Earth's magnetic field

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

How birds can detect the Earth's magnetic field

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

Plasma physics' giant leap

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

Earth's magnetic field is not about to flip

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