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Earth's Core Stability Shields Life from Cosmic Radiation

10/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A new model shows Earth's liquid outer core has sustained its magnetic field since formation, shielding life from cosmic radiation.
ETH Zurich and SUSTech researchers simulated a liquid core, confirming a stable magnetic field existed early in Earth's history.
The findings indicate about 3.8% carbon is needed to crystallize the core; carbon speeds solidification, while silicon and sulfur slow it.

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Story summary

A new model shows Earth's liquid outer core has sustained its magnetic field since formation, shielding life from cosmic radiation.
ETH Zurich and SUSTech researchers simulated a liquid core, confirming a stable magnetic field existed early in Earth's history.
The findings indicate about 3.8% carbon is needed to crystallize the core; carbon speeds solidification, while silicon and sulfur slow it.