The Earth's magnetic field was once ten times weaker than it is today. This anomaly is believed to have profoundly affected the lives and development of ancient human populations, including the Cro-Magnons and Neanderthals.
Researchers were able to trace the movement of the planet's magnetic poles 40,000 years ago using rocks that have retained their magnetism since their formation—a phenomenon known as paleomagnetism. By studying these rocks, a record of the magnetic field at the moment of their formation can be read.
Alexander Pasenko, a senior researcher at the Institute of Earth Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said:
"Over the centuries, life on the planet has changed dramatically. The weak magnetic field allowed dangerous solar and cosmic radiation to leak into the Earth, and streams of charged particles reached the equatorial latitudes, making the aurora borealis visible over modern-day southern Europe and Africa. Our ancestors contemplated the dance of colored lights in the sky, but all of this was extremely dangerous, because the strong radiation could damage DNA molecules, causing cancer and blindness."
"Our direct ancestors, the Cro-Magnons, and the parallel species of ancient humans, the Neanderthals, lived together in southern Europe. But archaeological evidence suggests that the Cro-Magnons may have been better adapted to the dangers coming from the sky. They began sewing thicker clothing made of leather using bone needles to provide protection from radiation. They also began using ochre, a pigment made of iron hydroxide, on the skin to act as a sunscreen. The Neanderthals, although they could process leather, did not develop similar techniques, which made them more vulnerable to the consequences of the catastrophe."
The researchers noted that the sharp weakening of the magnetic field has a potential impact on higher mammals, and it is likely that descendants of modern humans will soon be able to assess it. The North Pole has begun a new journey, and the Northern Lights are already visible at mid-latitudes.
