Earth's Magnetic Field Saved it from Becoming Mars

By Isabelle Parker

Around 565 million years ago, Earth's magnetic field dropped to just 10% of the strength of today's field. If the strength had not bounced back due to an explosion of multicellular life on Earth, the planet would have become a red planet, like Mars. This would put an end to all life on Earth, as solar radiation would strip away the atmosphere and oceans. The wavering of the field can be detected by scientists through ancient minerals. These minerals, which were once fluid lava, align themselves with the Earth's magnetic field like a compass. Once cooled, they give an indication of the field at that time. It is through these that scientists can discover how the magnetic field has changed over time. By studying these minerals, scientists are be able to predict Earth's future and learn about the magnetic fields of other planets, which could reveal the possibility of alien life.