What was our ancient magnetic field like? A new finding suggests the oldest estimate of the age of the planet’s current magnetic field.
The magnetic field shields Earth from cosmic radiation and the solar wind that the Sun pelts the planet with. In a new study, researchers found our current magnetic field could be the same to what it was 3.7 billion years ago.are scientists' oldest estimates of Earth's magnetic field strength. It was found using rocks dating 3.7 billion years old.
This feat was achieved by studying the iron particles in the ancient rocks, which acted as natural magnets, recording the magnetic field strength and direction. The reason why finding rocks that show the age of Earth's magnetic field overall is difficult is because heat, found along tectonic plates in the planet's crust, can alter any preserved evidence. However, the rocks found in Greenland were on a thick continental crust that protected it from heating.Since the magnetic field has remained similar in the last billions of years, researchers can infer that Earth's protection against solar wind has increased over time.
The team plans to excavate ancient rocks from Canada, Australia, and South Africa for future studies. More evidence of the magnetic field's age and how it might have evolved may help scientists fully understand if a magnetic field is needed to support life.use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards.
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