When it comes to stoves, most Americans rely on either gas or electric heat to create their culinary masterpieces. However, a third, more efficient manner of cooking is slowly working its way into more and more kitchens. While already popular in Europe and Asia, induction is starting to take off in the States. Induction cooking provides benefits gas and heat simply can’t touch, but the best part? It’s only possible through magnetism! Continue reading →
Extending out over 370,000 miles above the Earth, the magnetic layer known as the magnetosphere protects the planet from the charged particles of solar wind and cosmic rays that could tear away at our upper atmosphere, exposing us to ultraviolet radiation. That might seem like a permanent feature of the planet, and for the most part, it is. Continue reading →
When we think of lightning storms, we usually associate them with scary, booming claps of thunder. These audible bursts are caused by a sonic shockwave as lightning discharges. However, thunder is not the only sound of the storm. High above the clouds, in the farthest reaches of our atmosphere, another symphony is taking place. This is the concert hall of the electromagnetic electron wave, also known as a whistler. Continue reading →
Evidence of Earth’s magnetic field is all around us. Animals use it to navigate, the spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis is generated by it, even your compass pointing north—all possible because of this mysterious force. However, while we experience the benefits of the magnetic field on a daily basis (we wouldn’t have an atmosphere without it either), its effects are nothing new. The magnetic field has quietly been at work for millennia. Continue reading →
In previous posts, we’ve talked about the connection between animals and magnetism. Sharks, dogs, birds, and plenty of others all have pretty direct links to Earth’s magnetic field. However, there is one group of animals wherein the relationship is not as clear—some scientists don’t even think it exists. Continue reading →
The end of the year is always a time for nostalgia—looking back on the past 365 days and taking stock of everything that’s happened. At Apex, we’re no different. Continue reading →
Magnet lovers sure are a curious bunch! How do we know? We took a look at our most popular blog posts in 2016 and discovered that many of them answer big important questions about magnets and magnetism. This top ten covers magnetic DIY projects, experiments, facts about magnets, and more! Continue reading →
The Magna Doodle, a magnetic drawing toy, was invented in 1974 and consists of a drawing board, magnetic pen and magnetic shapes. Although the Magna Doodle was a popular toy when it first hit the shelves of local toy stores in the 70’s, its popularity really spiked in the 90’s due to its recurring role in the TV series, Friends. Continue reading →
As the holidays approach, the North Pole gets a lot more attention. This might have something to do with the bearded guy in the red suit allegedly living up there and making toys. Santa Claus aside, there are many fascinating facts about the North Pole you may not know. And guess what—many of them involve magnetism! Here’s a look at just a few of the ways magnets and magnetism feature in the great white north. Continue reading →
Our sun’s surface is a volatile place, to say the least. A mass of incandescent gas, a gigantic, nuclear furnace that churns out some of the hottest plasmic substances in the galaxy. All of this superheated matter gives off energy as well as creates super powerful magnetic fields. During a solar flare, the sun heats elements like hydrogen to its plasma state, causing its magnetism to go into overdrive, which leads to magnetic reconnection. Continue reading →