State of the Planet

News from the Columbia Climate School

magnetic fields

  • In Ancient Rocks, Scientists See a Climate Cycle Working Across Deep Time

    In Ancient Rocks, Scientists See a Climate Cycle Working Across Deep Time

    A gradual shift in Earth’s orbit that repeats every 405,000 years plays a role in natural climate swings.

  • When North Itself Wanders

    When North Itself Wanders

    I love thinking about why my compass points north. The deep, molten-metal motions, rising And falling … gargantuan currents of iron Conceiving vast magnetic fields, revealed In my hand, by a tiny, quivering red needle.

  • Solar Heartbeat

    Solar Heartbeat

    Upon our little spinning rock, Cosmic rays and debris knock. Through great fields and waves we race, Not empty, our broad path through space!

Photo of the Earth from space with the text "Lamont at AGU25" on top.

AGU25, the premier Earth and space science conference, takes place December 15-19, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year’s theme—Where Science Connects Us—puts in focus how science depends on connection, from the lab to the field to the ballot box. Once again, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Columbia Climate School scientists, experts, students, and educators are playing an active role, sharing our research and helping shape the future of our planet. #AGU25 Learn More

  • In Ancient Rocks, Scientists See a Climate Cycle Working Across Deep Time

    In Ancient Rocks, Scientists See a Climate Cycle Working Across Deep Time

    A gradual shift in Earth’s orbit that repeats every 405,000 years plays a role in natural climate swings.

  • When North Itself Wanders

    When North Itself Wanders

    I love thinking about why my compass points north. The deep, molten-metal motions, rising And falling … gargantuan currents of iron Conceiving vast magnetic fields, revealed In my hand, by a tiny, quivering red needle.

  • Solar Heartbeat

    Solar Heartbeat

    Upon our little spinning rock, Cosmic rays and debris knock. Through great fields and waves we race, Not empty, our broad path through space!