4. Early Solar System Magnetism Shaped Planets - CAUE BORLINA & DAVID LIVINGSTON 091726

1917 PRINCESS OF MARS
Early Solar System Magnetism Shaped Planets
Cauê Borlina and David Livingston: Purdue Professor Borlina analyzed pristine Antarctic meteorites, notably DOM 08006, to investigate the early solar system's magnetic history. By studying calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs)—the oldest known solids formed 4.5 billion years ago—researchers discovered preserved primordial magnetism locked within iron-nickel minerals as they cooled below their Curie temperature. Measurements revealed ancient magnetic field strengths between 150 and 600 microteslas, exceeding Earth's current field strength. This confirms that magnetic forces worked in tandem with gravity to ionize gas and transport nebula mass. Borlina advocates for extensive future sample return missions across asteroids and Mars. (4)