Renowned Geophysicist to Discuss Earth's Magnetic Field History

Dr. Lisa Tauxe to present on the evolution of the planet's magnetic field over the last 4 million years

Mar. 11, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Sisters Science Club is hosting a lecture by renowned geophysicist Dr. Lisa Tauxe, who will discuss the fascinating history of the Earth's magnetic field over the last 4 million years. Dr. Tauxe, a professor emerita at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is a leading expert on paleomagnetism and has authored over 250 peer-reviewed articles on the subject.

Why it matters

Understanding the Earth's magnetic field is crucial for a variety of scientific disciplines, from geology and geophysics to navigation and space weather forecasting. Dr. Tauxe's research aims to shed light on how the planet's magnetic field has evolved over long timescales, which can provide insights into the Earth's core dynamics and the potential for magnetic field reversals.

The details

In her lecture, Dr. Tauxe will focus on how sediments and lava flows can retain a record of the Earth's magnetic field, and she will present the latest findings from a global campaign to study the ancient magnetic field strength. This research could help test hypotheses about the asymmetry in the current magnetic field and how it may have changed over time.

  • The lecture will take place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
  • The event is part of the Frontiers in Science lecture series sponsored by the Sisters Science Club.

The players

Dr. Lisa Tauxe

A distinguished professor emerita at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, and a leading expert on paleomagnetism. She has authored or co-authored over 250 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has won numerous prestigious awards, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Sisters Science Club

A local organization that sponsors the Frontiers in Science lecture series, which aims to bring cutting-edge scientific research to the community.

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What they’re saying

“The Earth itself is a great magnet.”

— William Gilbert

What’s next

The lecture is open to the public, and a minimum suggested donation of $5 at the door will support continued programming. Teachers and students are admitted for free.

The takeaway

Dr. Tauxe's lecture promises to provide fascinating insights into the complex history of the Earth's magnetic field, which has important implications for our understanding of the planet's core dynamics and the potential for magnetic field reversals.