Kirschner, Carolyn. 2024. 'A Landscape of False Information: Myths and Models of the Earth's Magnetic Field'. In: International Conference on Myths, Archetypes and Symbols: Models and Alternatives. Birkbeck, University of London, United Kingdom 28 - 29 September 2024. [Conference or Workshop Item] (Forthcoming)

No full text available

Abstract or Description

Abstract:
The Earth’s magnetic field has long been a subject of cultural and scientific speculation. This paper will unpack a history of myths surrounding the Earth’s magnetism and will then explore how these interface with scientific study today.

Ancient stories across Europe and China presumed the source of the magnetic field to be in the heavens: a distant star. This was followed by widespread legends of magnetic mountains – from ancient Greece to the Arab world – telling of magnetic mountains so powerful they could pull the nails from a ship at sea. Myths also infiltrated the everyday, from a belief in the effects of garlic on magnetic field strength to ideas of magnetism as an animating life force.

Although scientific study of the Earth’s magnetic field has undoubtedly advanced beyond these early theories, to this day it is a geophysical phenomenon surrounded by mysteries. Beyond localized measurements, scientists are unable to accurately understand the origins of the Earth’s magnetic field, produce reliable models of it, or accurately predict its movements. In its wake accumulates a long history of failed scientific maps and models.

This paper will explore the tensions between human desires to explain the mysteries of the universe, and the limitations of our capabilities to do so – both physiological and technological. Drawing on an ongoing design and research project, I will also draw parallels between the cultural function of myths and failed scientific models, focusing on their ability to offer momentary assurances and psychological boundaries for our shared reality.

Themes:
- mythology and science
- myth-revision from antiquity to the 21st century

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Related URLs:	Organisation
Departments, Centres and Research Units:	Design
Dates:	Date Event 19 April 2024 Accepted
Event Location:	Birkbeck, University of London, United Kingdom
Date range:	28 - 29 September 2024
Item ID:	37423
Date Deposited:	27 Aug 2024 09:02
Last Modified:	27 Aug 2024 09:02
URI:	https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/37423

Edit Record (login required)