Feature Earth

Spinning the Core

Laboratory dynamos attempt to generate magnetic fields the way planets and stars do

dynamo experiment

The dynamo experiment at the University of Maryland is the biggest ever made with  whirling molten sodium.

Santiago Andrés Triana

By Alexandra Witze

- More than 2 years ago

Daniel Lathrop spent seven years and $2 million building the stainless steel sphere in his laboratory. It’s two spheres, actually — nestled one within the other like a pair of Russian dolls.