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X-ray Facility To Simulate Conditions At Earth's Core

Diggester sends this quote from an article at the BBC: "The ID24 beam line at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility will use X-ray beams to subject iron and other materials to extraordinary temperatures and pressures. How the X-rays are absorbed should give insight into the mysterious processes going on at and near the Earth's core. For example, the work could unravel why the Earth's magnetic field can 'flip.' ... The samples are compressed at a pressure millions of times higher than that on the Earth's surface. High-power lasers are then fired through the diamonds at the samples, heating them to higher than 10,000C. Then X-rays are used as a probe to determine the precise composition and chemistry of samples."

2 of 37 comments (clear)

  1. Call the DHS and TSA . . . by PolygamousRanchKid+ · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    . . . the Earth's core might have concealed weapons in there . . .

    . . . and fondle the Earth's fiery crotch just to make sure . . .

    --
    Schroedinger's Brexit: The UK is both in and out of the EU at the same time!
  2. Re:Uh oh. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    Slashdot has dumbed down, and it's partly your fault.