Earth’s inner core is slowing down and scientists are still figuring out what it means. Since around 2010, geophysicists have observed that the solid inner core of our planet a ball of iron and nickel rotating beneath the surface has been gradually decelerating. This tiny shift, deep underground, could ripple outward in surprising ways. It might subtly affect Earth’s magnetic field, which shields us from solar radiation and guides everything from satellites to migrating animals. It could even im

7K views · 152 reactions | One of the more bizarre features of our planet is that within its molten iron core there is an enormous rotating crystal ball the size of the moon. Not weird enough for you? Consider this: that crystallized iron ball is hotter than the surface of the sun, yet it resists melting. A new study from KTH may finally settle a longstanding debate over how that's possible. | KTH Royal Institute of Technology | Facebook