Princeton researchers claim to have measured an electrical tension created by terrestrial rotation. A fascinating discovery … but which already divides the scientific community.
When a ferrite cylinder captures tiny energy from the heart of our planet
What if the earth itself could provide us with electricity? The idea is not new: in the 19th century, Michael Faraday had already tried to exploit the Earth’s magnetic field To generate a current. However, his experiences had given nothing: the field is too uniform and the electric forces are canceled.
Today, a team led by Christopher probably at Princeton University claims to have found A theoretical exception. Their method is based on a hollow cylinder in manganese-zinc woundoriented from a precise angle compared to the terrestrial magnetic field. Under these conditions, they measured a tension of 17 microvolts.
It may seem tiny, but this result corresponds Exactly to the predictions of their model. Thus, for researchers, this is proof that Earth’s rotation can be used to produce electricity … at least in theory.
A discovery that enthuses as much as it fuels skepticism
If the news has something to dream, she does not convince everyone. Indeed, the measured tension remains extremely weakwhich makes interpretation delicate. Some scientists fear that experimental artifacts have distorted the measures.
To lift any doubt, it will be necessary reproduce experience In different laboratories, to various latitudes and altitudes. Rinke vineyardsphysicist at the free university of Amsterdam, recalls that his own attempts in 2018 had given no conclusive result.
Thus, the scientific community claims independent validations. Without them, this discovery could remain in the stage of curiosity. But if the results are confirmed, it could open a New energy research field.
Immense technological obstacles and ethical implications to consider
Even if the phenomenon is real, transforming it into a usable energy source is another story. The measured tension is far too low to supply a device, even minimal. It would be necessary multiply the efficiency of the device considerably, and nothing proves that this is doable with current materials.
Moreover, extract from the energy of terrestrial rotation could slow down planet: about 7 milliseconds per century. This effect seems derisory, but it raises Ethical and environmental questions . Should we really draw on celestial mechanics to produce electricity?
Thus, before any industrial exploitation, it will be necessary to measure l’impact global such technology. Because, as often, what is technically possible is not always desirable.
Between energy dream and scientific curiosity, the future remains to be written
For Christopher Chyba, the road is still long. The next few years will say if this revolutionary idea can go beyond the experimental stage. Until then, she will probably remain A subject of debate Between engineers, physicists and ethicians.
This discovery may be The first step Towards a new form of clean energy, directly from the planet itself. Or, she will join the list of shiny but unusable concepts.
Anyway, it recalls one thing: our land still contains Energy mysteriesunsuspected. And sometimes, it is by looking for the impossible that science achieves its greatest advances.