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!

Blue banner with kids and Earth photos. Text: "Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House, Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10am-4pm.

On Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 10am to 4pm, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Open House—our biggest, best science fun and discovery event of the year—will take place on our beautiful campus in Palisades, NY. Mark your calendar and join us for this free, family-friendly celebration of science! RSVP Today!

  • 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!