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Understanding Earth's Magnetic Field

Posted by michael on from the hot-and-wet dept.

neutron_p writes "Researchers from the University of Maryland's nonlinear dynamics and chaos research group are seeking to solve a major scientific mystery: How is the Earth's magnetic field formed and what causes changes in the field? To find answers, they are recreating on a small scale the forces that produce Earth's own magnetic field. Scientists have constructed a series of "geodynamos" - metal spheres filled with liquid sodium that emulate conditions of the Earth's spinning, churning molten iron core. This project involves more than 14 tons of sodium metal and a 10-foot stainless steel sphere."

8 of 58 comments (clear)

  1. Fire in the hole! by addaon · · Score: 5, Funny

    I hope the sprinkler system doesn't go off.

    --

    I've had this sig for three days.
  2. Magneto, for sure. by AtariAmarok · · Score: 3, Funny
    "This project involves more than 14 tons of sodium metal and a 10-foot stainless steel sphere."

    I sure don't want to be around when lightning strikes one of the scientists during one of the experiments. The reign of Magneto is coming, only he won't be a mutant like we expected.

    --
    Don't blame Durga. I voted for Centauri.
  3. you sure they're scientists ? by da5idnetlimit.com · · Score: 2, Funny

    The picture made me think of 3 evil magical ones in Charmed preparing a really noxious potion ...

    Look closely, one of them is even clearly hunched 8)

    --
    It takes 40+ muscles to frown, but only four to extend your arm and bitchslap the motherfucker
  4. Potential of untold riches by failedlogic · · Score: 3, Funny

    I can think of one way to get really rich of this idea.....

    Sell air plane fuel? Install one of these puppies near an airport. Ideally a faily busy one like LAX or O'Hare. Turn on the machine. As it takes more fuel for the planes to take off .... profit!!!

    1. Re:Potential of untold riches by div_B · · Score: 2, Funny

      Sell air plane fuel? Install one of these puppies near an airport. Ideally a faily busy one like LAX or O'Hare. Turn on the machine. As it takes more fuel for the planes to take off .... profit!!!

      Then cough up for the energy used to start and keep the thing running. Declare bankruptcy. Move onto street, drink from liquor bottle in brown paper bag.

    2. Re:Potential of untold riches by LiENUS · · Score: 2, Funny

      Shhhh... my liquor store is right next to airport, don't want you foiling my plan to get rich off of him now do we?

  5. Cool! by Black+Parrot · · Score: 2, Funny


    If they can simulate iron with sodium, we should be able to figure out a way to simulate irony with sodiumy!

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    Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
  6. Cool party chat-up line... by jpop32 · · Score: 3, Funny

    You see, I'm with the nonlinear dynamics and chaos research group.