Magnetic Earth Day Facts

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. Today, Earth Day is an annual observance that has been celebrated for more than 50 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 a solid iron-nickel alloy. The outer layer around the core is believed to be liquid iron-nickel, kept molten by extreme heat despite high pressure. Electric currents generated by the churning of molten metal in the outer core produce the planet's magnetic field. 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 charged particles toward the Earth, the magnetic field funnels them toward the poles, where they collide with gases in the upper atmosphere and create the lights. 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 made from rare earth materials mined from the Earth. For example, wind turbines frequently use permanent magnet generators (PMG) as a power source.

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