Out of the Silent Planet

Episode 8 - Entering the Upside Down: Magnetic Field Inversions and the Efficacy of Magnetic Fields as Atmospheric Protectors.

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Every so often the humungo dipole magnet that produces Earth’s magnetic field reverses polarity - that means magnetic north becomes magnetic south and vice versa. In this episode we explore the potential effects reversals like these have on us biological beings dwelling on the surface and on the Earth’s climate, and whether Earth is “due” for another reversal in the near future. We also talk about whether magnetic fields protect a planet against atmospheric escape with implications for terraforming Mars, and the potential for continuity in the Artemis Program with the changing presidential administration.

  • 00:32 - Welcome and the future of the Artemis Program?
  • 07:13 - Does our magnetic field protect us from harmful high-energy particles and how does the magnetic field work?
  • 39:16 - Was the last magnetic field reversal a catalyst for cave art and extinctions? Are we due for another reversal soon? 
  • 45:30 - Michael mentions a correlation between exposure to Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCRs) and skin cancer. This isn’t necessarily true. Skin cancer is predominantly caused by sun exposure (UV and higher energy light). Although, there is a correlation between exposure to GCRs and cancer in all organs.

    • Links:

    • The continuity of the Artemis Program through the administration change
    • Magnetic fields don’t protect atmospheres (Gunell et al., 2018)
    • A global environmental crisis 42,000 years ago (Coop et al., 2021)

      • https://astrobites.org/2020/11/17/radiogenic-heat-hurts-dynamos/

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      Out of the Silent PlanetBy Tony Maue, Michael Phillips