News Quantum Physics

A grapefruit-sized quantum device mapped Earth’s magnetic field from space

A diamond sensor in the cube showcases quantum magnetometers’ potential

A black and white cube with the name "OSCAR QUBE" on one side floats in the International Space Station.

OSCAR-QUBE, shown on the International Space Station, measured Earth’s magnetic field using a quantum sensor made from diamond.

ESA, NASA

By Emily Conover

An imperfect diamond is perfect for sensing Earth’s magnetic field from space.

A quantum device used a diamond’s defects to map Earth’s magnetic field from the International Space Station. Just 10 centimeters on a side, OSCAR-QUBE reveals the potential of the technology.