THE Earth’s magnetic field was three times its present strength when
dinosaurs roamed the planet, supporting theories that it is generated by an
internal dynamo rather than static magnetic material. Ancient magnetic fields
leave their imprints on volcanic rocks, but field strength is much harder to
measure than direction. John Tarduno of the University of Rochester in New York
state has now used a superconducting device to measure field strength in
crystals that formed 113 million years ago, during a 37-million-year interval
when the magnetic field was exceptionally stable and did not flip direction
(Science, vol 291, p 1779). The…
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from Â鶹´«Ã½
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Advertorial
The defence sector can’t adopt a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to AI
Advertising
Advertorial
Why the future of defence is drone tech and distributed edge computing
Advertising
Advertorial
The future of defence lies in transatlantic industrial partnerships
Advertising
Advertorial
The biggest defence risk is a lack of integration, not technology
Advertising
Popular articles
Trending Â鶹´«Ã½ articles
1
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
2
We've found a mysterious substance on Titan and Pluto
3
Autism may have two distinct subtypes that vary by brain activity
4
We may have finally solved cosmology's chicken-or-the-egg problem
5
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
6
Â鶹´«Ã½ recommends an excellent look at the future of work
7
The relationship recession is even bigger for Gen Z than we thought
8
Fully autonomous drones have killed human soldiers for the first time
9
Most portable air conditioners suck – but there's an easy fix
10
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
