LISTEN: Researchers Have Somehow Discovered The Sound Of The Earth's Magnetic Field Reversing 42,000 Years Ago And It Is Creepy As Hell

Study Finds - KONGENS LYNGBY, Denmark — Imagine standing in the heart of Copenhagen, surrounded by an orchestra of 30 speakers buried in the ground. However, instead of Mozart or Beethoven, you’re about to hear something far more primordial — the haunting sound of Earth’s magnetic field as it flipped 41,000 years ago. Welcome to the cutting edge of geomagnetic research, where science meets art in the most unexpected way.

In a groundbreaking project, scientists from the Technical University of Denmark and the German Research Centre for Geosciences have transformed data from the European Space Agency’s Swarm satellite mission into an auditory experience that’s both fascinating and slightly unnerving.

The star of this cosmic concert? The Laschamp event, a brief but dramatic period when Earth’s magnetic field did the unthinkable – it completely reversed direction. During this geomagnetic rollercoaster, our planet’s magnetic shield weakened to a mere 5% of its current strength, leaving Earth more vulnerable to cosmic rays than ever before.

“The team used data from ESA’s Swarm satellites, as well as other sources, and used these magnetic signals to manipulate and control a sonic representation of the core field. The project has certainly been a rewarding exercise in bringing art and science together,” explains Klaus Nielsen, a musician and project supporter from the Technical University of Denmark, in a 2022 media release after researchers first converted the magnetic field into sound.

This is one of the creepiest things I've seen or heard in a while. Scientists decided to turn the Laschamp event, a period when our planet's magnetic field went haywire, into a cosmic horror show. We're talking 30 gigantic speakers buried in the ground in Copenhagen, blasting out the sounds of Earth's magnetic field flipping 41,000 years ago.

They say it's supposed to be a "rewarding exercise in bringing art and science together." I don't know about you, but I'm getting some serious Blair Witch Project vibes. It's like listening to the Earth scream in agony as its magnetic field goes bonkers.

So why scare the living daylights out of people? Well, according to musician and project supporter Klaus Nielsen, "The intention, of course, is not to frighten people- it is a quirky way of reminding us that the magnetic field exists and although its rumble is a little unnerving, the existence of life on Earth is dependent on it."   

Sure, Klaus, a "quirky reminder." That's one way to put it. I'm pretty sure I'll be having nightmares about this for weeks.