The first Earth Day started on April 22, 1970, with over 20 million people across the United States rallying for increased environmental awareness and protection. Photos from the first Earth Day show some advocates wearing gas masks and others sitting outside city parks, buildings, and other facilities to spread their message. Now, Earth Day is an official annual holiday, which has been celebrated for 44 years. Earth Day may happen once a year but there are many reasons why we should appreciate and protect the Earth all year round.

One of the most obvious reasons is that it is our home. The Earth is full of many explained and unexplained scientific wonders like its relationship with magnets and its magnetic properties. Not only are magnets produced from rare earth materials like neodymium, but their properties are in many natural occurrences and innovative green energy technologies.

The Earth is a Magnet

Like a magnet, the earth has two magnetic poles. You may refer to these as the north and south poles. The Earth’s core is believed to be composed of solid magnetic iron. The layer outside the core is believed to be made of other metals that are in fluid form because of their low-pressure conditions. The electric currents emitted from the Earth’s core cause it to act as a magnet and produce magnetic fields. These magnetic fields are what protect us from space particles.

Magnetic Properties Link to Earth Phenomenons

Many natural phenomenons are linked back to Earth's magnetic activity and properties. One of those phenomenons is the well-known Northern Lights or aurora borealis. The Northern Lights light up the sky with swirling colors visible in select regions of the globe. The Earth's magnetic field produces these beautiful lights. When the sun emits a cloud of gas that shoots towards the Earth, the magnetic fields protect it from colliding with the surface and the lights are the result. Learn more about the Northern Lights here.

Magnets Power Earth-Friendly Energy

When it comes to sustainable energy, the relationship between magnets and the Earth is reciprocal. Many Earth-friendly energy technologies contain magnets produced by the Earth. For example, wind turbines frequently use permanent magnet generators (PMG) as a power source.

In general, the Earth is one of the most intriguing magnetic phenomenons that we could ever study. It’s also possibly the most important one because it is our home. We hope you keep this in mind this Earth Day and beyond!

Learn More With Apex Magnets 

If you like magnetic DIYs, then you’re in the right place! Check out our magnet facts or Neodymium magnet information sections of the blog for more activities and creative ways to use magnets.