Earth’s 26-Second ‘heartbeat’ continue to mystify scientists, now monitored from a field in Scotland
In 2020, Discover magazine drew fresh attention to one of Earth’s most puzzling seismic phenomena: a mysterious pulse that repeats every 26 seconds. Known as a ‘microseism,’ this subtle rhythmic vibration has confused researchers since it was first documented in the 1960s. Despite decades of monitoring, there’s still no consensus on what causes it.The faint signal, often referred to as Earth’s ‘heartbeat,’ is imperceptible to humans but regularly appears on seismometers around the world.Now, the heartbeat of the Earth is being closely observed in a quiet field in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have installed a highly sensitive monitoring device– one of only two of its kind in the UK designed to measure what’s known as the Schumann Resonance.These are extremely low-frequency electromagnetic waves generated primarily by lightning strikes that circle the Earth’s ionosphere.Lightning strikes the planet nearly 50 times per second, generating tiny waves of energy that resonate between Earth’s surface and its upper atmosphere. This phenomenon not only helps researchers study atmospheric and weather patterns but is also believed by some scientists to have potential links to human health, sleep cycles, and emotional well-being.The University of Aberdeen’s device, housed in a secure box in the rural Scottish countryside, is helping scientists better understand both the seismic pulse and the Schumann Resonance. These two “heartbeats” of the Earth one vibrational, one electromagnetic could hold clues about our planet’s inner workings, climate systems, and possibly even its future geophysical activity.
In 2020, Discover magazine drew fresh attention to one of Earth’s most puzzling seismic phenomena: a mysterious pulse that repeats every 26 seconds. Known as a ‘microseism,’ this subtle rhythmic vibration has confused researchers since it was first documented in the 1960s. Despite decades of monitoring, there’s still no consensus on what causes it.
The faint signal, often referred to as Earth’s ‘heartbeat,’ is imperceptible to humans but regularly appears on seismometers around the world.
Now, the heartbeat of the Earth is being closely observed in a quiet field in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have installed a highly sensitive monitoring device– one of only two of its kind in the UK designed to measure what’s known as the Schumann Resonance.
These are extremely low-frequency electromagnetic waves generated primarily by lightning strikes that circle the Earth’s ionosphere.
Lightning strikes the planet nearly 50 times per second, generating tiny waves of energy that resonate between Earth’s surface and its upper atmosphere. This phenomenon not only helps researchers study atmospheric and weather patterns but is also believed by some scientists to have potential links to human health, sleep cycles, and emotional well-being.
The University of Aberdeen’s device, housed in a secure box in the rural Scottish countryside, is helping scientists better understand both the seismic pulse and the Schumann Resonance. These two “heartbeats” of the Earth one vibrational, one electromagnetic could hold clues about our planet’s inner workings, climate systems, and possibly even its future geophysical activity.
What's Your Reaction?
