The Earth’s Magnetic Field: Experiments with helmholtz coils, compass and smartphones

The Earth’s magnetic field is responsible for the presence of the auroras in the polar regions and the beneficial deflection of the solar winds. It is the Earth’s safeguard against cosmic radiation and charged particles.

In the teaching unit ‘The Earth’s Magnetic Field’ students learn how to measure the earth’s magnetic field. They test different methods, and, amongst others, also use special apps on their smartphones.

Authors: Stephen Kimbrough (DE), Damjan Štrus (SI), Corina Toma (RO)