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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

When Earth’s magnetic field took its time flipping

Scientists have discovered that ancient Earth magnetic field reversals lasted up to 70,000 years, revealing a new perspective on the geomagnetic phenomenon. This extended reversal period had significant impacts on atmospheric chemistry, climate processes, and the evolution of living organisms.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2026

CSES satellite reveals spatiotemporal evolution of high-energy particles in the South Atlantic anomaly during Solar Cycle 25

The study found that the SAA proton flux center has been drifting westward and northward over five years, with lower-energy protons responding faster to geomagnetic inhomogeneity. The CSES satellite data also showed a significant decrease in the area of the SAA proton flux between 2019 and 2024, correlated with solar activity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 13, 2025

Chinese Meridian Project reveals: Storm-time ionosphere collapse disrupts HF radio propagation

The Chinese Meridian Project study found a dramatic 98% reduction in ionospheric electron density during the May 10-12 super geomagnetic storm, leading to complete loss of ionospheric backscatter echoes. The team also observed significant hemispheric asymmetry, with enhanced electron density in the Southern Hemisphere.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2025

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

New semi-empirical model boosts accuracy in forecasting Earth's magnetic storms

A new semi-empirical model simulates the Dst index by integrating empirical methods with global magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models of Earth’s magnetosphere. The model outperforms traditional approaches in accuracy while retaining computational efficiency, demonstrating robustness in capturing timing and magnitude of Dst variations.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalEarth and Planetary Physics·DateJul 21, 2025

New class of Mars quakes reveals daily meteorite strikes

Researchers estimate that between 280 to 360 meteorites strike Mars each year, forming impact craters greater than 8 meters across. The study uses seismic data from the NASA InSight Mission to make this estimate, which is five times higher than previously thought.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 28, 2024

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

Removal of magnetic spacecraft contamination within extraterrestrial samples easily carried out, researchers say

Scientists have found that magnetic contamination in lunar samples can be easily removed using standard techniques, disproving previous theories. The study's findings suggest that paleomagnetism is a powerful tool for understanding core processes and planetary evolution, enabling the long-term preservation of atmospheres.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 11, 2023

Scientists detect seismic waves traveling through Martian core for the first time

Researchers used NASA InSight data to directly measure Mars' core properties, finding a completely liquid iron-alloy core with high percentages of sulfur and oxygen. This discovery provides new insights into Martian formation and geological differences between Earth and Mars, potentially impacting planetary habitability.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Novel model of fluid distribution in the Cascadia Subduction Zone aids understanding of seismic activity

A novel three-dimensional model of the fluid stored deep in Earth's crust along the Cascadia Subduction Zone provides new insight into how the accumulation and release of those fluids may influence seismic activity. The study's findings have applications for increasing understanding of seismic activity along the Cascadia Subduction Zone.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 14, 2022