In October 2019, world-renowned geophysicist  Dr. Sheldon Breiner passed away at the age of 82. Breiner was a magnetic pioneer. In the 1960s, he devised a method to use magnetism to detect  sunken submarines and other underwater objects by observing the way they affected the magnetic fields around them. His company, Geometrics, developed magnetometers that measured magnetic fields, and his expertise helped archaeological research expeditions around the world.  In honor of his decorated accomplishments, we’d like to pay tribute to his life with a blog detailing his magnetic exploration techniques.  Breiner’s Impact  After graduating high school in St. Louis in 1955, Breiner earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from Stanford University by 1967 – where he first learned the intricacies of magnetic energy and magnetometers. His skill with magnetometers led to a job at Varian Associates – a Silicon Valley company that created electromagnetic equipment – while pursuing his master’s degree. While at Stanford, he used rubidium magnetometers to detect seismic activity along the San Andreas Fault to predict potential earthquakes. He began applying magnetometers to search for mineral and oil deposits, find hidden weapons, locate skiers lost in avalanches and help locate sunken submarines. In 1966, he assisted the U.S. government in finding a hydrogen bomb that had fallen into the ocean after a B-52 bomber collided with a jet over Spain.  The Mission to Mexico  One of Breiner’s most notable expeditions was in Southern Mexico. He traveled to the San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan where, using magnetometers, he discovered ancient artifacts from the Olmec civilization that dated back to 1200 B.C. With a pole attached to a cesium magnetometer, he traveled through dense brush while keeping a record of the magnetic variations at each point. The artifacts included two 10-ton basalt heads that had vanished around 400 B.C. He returned to Mexico several times over the next two decades to continue his search. As recently as 2005, he investigated the wreckage of a 16th-century galleon that had sailed from Manilla.   Discover More With Apex Magnets Today There are several other pioneers, like Breiner, who left a positive  on the world of magnetism for years to come. For more interesting magnet history lessons, breakthrough magnetic discoveries and general magnet knowledge, browse our blog today!