Short Wave What Geologists Love — And Lament — About Cult Classic 'The Core'
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Jul 7, 2023 
Join geologist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, a professor at Western Washington University, as she dives into the cult classic 'The Core'. She and host Regina G. Barber humorously dissect the film's outrageous premise about a halted Earth's core, revealing the intricate realities of our planet's magnetic field. Despite its scientific blunders, Jackie shares why geologists still hold a fondness for this disaster film, blending entertainment with education. The conversation invites listeners to reflect on the absurdities and inaccuracies of science in media.
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The Core in the Classroom
- Jackie Caplan-Auerbach uses The Core in her geology class.
- Students enjoy a break from rigorous coursework by watching the movie and eating popcorn.
Earth's Magnetic Field
- Earth's magnetic field is generated in its core, the deepest layer.
- The field arises from the fluid dynamics of Earth's liquid outer core, not just the inner core's rotation.
Solar Wind vs. Microwaves
- Earth's magnetic field shields us from the solar wind, charged particles from the sun.
- The movie incorrectly suggests we'd be fried by microwaves, which aren't affected by magnetic fields.