Many Animals Have Magnetoreception, Now Science is Exploring Whether We Do Too

Humans appear to have the equipment, but can we use it?

Photo by Tom Barrett on Unsplash

Somehow, I’ve lived my entire life without knowing that magnetism is still a mystery. I mean, magnets are everywhere in modern life — they’re in our cell phones, computers, and most technology, as well as hanging on your fridge. Recently experts suggested using magnets to create the air astronauts would require for deep space travel. And yet, the phenomenon remains an enigma.

We know many animals — sea, land, and air — have a sense called magnetoreception, or the ability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field and use it to navigate the planet. But how animals sense it is a matter of ongoing research.

The more I explored the topic, the more I realized how expansive a force magnetism is — not just in modern society but in the animal kingdom and even ancient cultures. Magnetoreception continues to intrigue us, especially since it’s one trait we seem to have missed out on. Or did we?

Earth’s Magnetic Field

I’m sure you know that Earth has a magnetic field that protects the planet from solar and cosmic radiation and prevents our lovely atmosphere from disintegrating. You might also know that this field is the…