If you’ve been following along with our blog for a while, you probably know that we enjoy reporting on magnet hacks, magnet experiments, magnets in the news, and even magnetic DIY projects. However, we’re also a team interested in the history of magnetism and the uses of magnets throughout the years! In this blog, let’s travel back in time to World War II. Degaussing, named after the unit of magnetism, is the process in which you decrease or eliminate something’s magnetic field. During World War II, this tactic was used to reduce ships’ magnetic signature so they could pass over a magnetic mine undetected and unharmed.  The Timeline of Degaussing During World War II In 1919, the British developed the first magnetic naval mines. But between the world wars, the Germans developed a new magnetic mine with a more sensitive trigger. The magnetic field of a ship or large ferrous object passing through the earth’s magnetic field set them off, typically when the ship was halfway overhead. This caused a lot of damage and resulted in many lives lost. In 1939, the British were able to obtain and examine an undetonated mine that washed up onshore. Scientists took it apart and were able to learn more about how it was made. In turn, they began to implement a method of degaussing, a process in which electrical cables are installed around the hull of the ship, running bow to stern and back. A current is then passed through the cables to cancel out the magnetic field. This equipment could be effectively turned on in combat areas, allowing ships to pass over a magnetic mine unharmed. British ships became “invisible” to these deadly Germans’ explosives. As late as the 1970s, merchant ships still used similar degaussing to protect themselves from any leftover World War II mines. Apex Magnets While we can’t help you demagnetize your naval fleet, we can help you magnetize and demagnetize your tools! Check out our magnetizer/demagnetizer tools here. We can also provide more information on what does and doesn’t demagnetize your magnets. As always, never hesitate to reach out to us with questions about our products and how to use them.