Scientists say they’ve confirmed Earth’s inner core has been slowing down. Here’s what it could mean — and why the topic has been the subject of fierce debate.

As the Earth gradually cools, the inner core expands outwards at the surrounding iron-rich liquid "freezes." That said, it is still extremely hot, at least 5,000 Kelvin (K) (4,726.85°C) .

USC scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery about the nature of Earth’s enigmatic inner core, revealing for the first time that this 1,500-mile-wide ball of iron and nickel is changing.

As the Earth gradually cools, the inner core expands outwards at the surrounding iron-rich liquid "freezes." That said, it is still extremely hot, at least 5,000 Kelvin (K) (4726.85 degrees Celsius) .

Scientists have debated for years about what's going on with Earth's inner core. A new study offers compelling evidence that the inner core reversed direction and is slowing down. The shift ...

Earth’s inner core isn’t just slowing; it’s also shape-shifting, study finds. Feb. 11, 2025. Show Comments. Climate & Environment Science & Medicine World & Nation Breaking News.

The inner core is made of solid iron-nickel about 3,000 miles below the surface of the Earth. Scientists believe that the inner core’s rotation began to slow down in 2010 , but what that really ...

Scientists identified a heartbeat-like rhythmic pulse trapped within the Earth — and say it has profound implications for a ...

While it's unlikely the deep-buried treasure chest will ever be cracked open, scientists call the discovery significant.