The Elusive Core: Temperature Estimates and ChallengesThe Earth’s core, primarily composed of iron and nickel, is located about 6,000 kilometers beneath the surface, making it incredibly difficult to study. Carbon’s Surprising Role in Core SolidificationThe breakthrough in this study highlights the importance of carbon in understanding the solidification process of Earth’s core. The Role of the Core in Protecting EarthOne of the most important functions of Earth’s core is its role in generating the magnetic field, which shields the planet from harmful solar radiation. Seismic Waves and the Melting Point of Earth’s CoreAnother tool in understanding the inner core comes from seismic waves generated by earthquakes. Historically, scientists have used meteorites—remnants of other planets or fragments from destroyed Earth-like worlds—to estimate the core’s composition.