For nearly two centuries, scientists have wondered if Earth’s rotation through its magnetic field could produce electricity. The idea was first tested by Michael Faraday in 1832, but his experiments failed, leaving scientists convinced it was impossible. Today, however, new experiments suggest that Faraday may have been wrong—or at least incomplete—in his assumptions.
In a recent lab experiment, scientists demonstrated a tiny but real electric current generated by a stationary cylinder simply rotating with Earth. The finding hints at a previously overlooked method of harvesting energy, one that directly taps into Earth’s spin.
Rethinking an Old Idea
Christopher Chyba, a physicist at Princeton University, wasn’t sure what to expect when he first tested the device. He placed a hollow cylinder of manganese-zinc ferrite—a material known for its magnetic properties—into a carefully measured position. Then he watched closely,…
