From Physics 101 to Pigeons

Around 60 people attended our first event of the summer -- a free screening of The Core. Afterwards graduate student Lia Corrales guided the audience in a discussion around two major topics:

(1) Where does the earth’s electromagnetic field come from?
We reviewed the “Physics 101” of generating magnetic fields. We debunked the idea that simple rotation generates the earth’s magnetic field, and explained how much energy it would take to ‘stop’ or ‘reverse’ the rotation. We reviewed some of the scientific research showing that the earth’s magnetic field can have a complicated interior, can change over time, and occasionally switches polarity.

(2) What effect does the electromagnetic field have on life?
We discussed what solar wind does and does not contain, as referenced in the film. The highlight of the evening was the discussion centered on pigeons! We reviewed the scientific article showing that pigeons could sense magnetic fields. However, we also learned that pigeons used landmarks like roads to navigate. We concluded that a change in the earth’s magnetic field would not be enough to disorient pigeons into a kamikaze death dive, but would be enough to force them to ask for directions on the way home.

Unfortunately, the cloudy sky prevented telescope viewing for the night. Fortunately, the summer series of events got off to a great start, thanks to all the people who attended and our five volunteers!