Geomagnetismus

Geomagnetismus, also referred to as terrestrial magnetism, is the phenomenon of the Earth's magnetic field. The Earth's core generates a magnetic field, which permeates the planet and is responsible for geological phenomena such as the motion of the Earth's tectonic plates and the lighting of the aurorae.

The Earth's magnetic field has been detected to extend far beyond the planet's atmosphere, it envelops the Earth's magnetic tail, which is visible from orbit around the planet. The magnetic field's strength and direction were studied by scientists for centuries, with William Gilbert being the first to describe the concept of magnetism in the 17th century. When exposed to the magnetic field, a compass needle aligns itself to the field's direction. The direction of north is denoted by the magnetic north, not to be confused with the geographical north due to the Earth's slightly irregular magnetic field.

Modern measurement of the Earth's magnetic field are taken by several planet-based stations, as well as from orbit around the Earth. The data collected from these measurements are used to study geological phenomena, the processes affecting the layers of the Earth's crust, and help to predict further geological activities and their effects on the Earth's magnetic field.