A Woman to discover the Science behind the Earth’s Core

Inge Lehmann was a woman who, quite literally, transformed our understanding of the world — from the inside out. Born in 1888 in Denmark, she grew up in a time when women were expected to lead domestic lives.

She went into the male-dominated fields of mathematics and science, and faced constant skepticism. Yet she persevered, driven by a sharp mind and an unwavering curiosity for Earth's deepest secrets.

At the time, scientists believed that the Earth's core was a single, molten sphere. But Inge, working as a seismologist, noticed something strange in the earthquake data. The seismic waves did not behave as they should if the core was entirely liquid — some waves reflected unexpectedly, as if they had hit a solid boundary. While her male colleagues were unaware of these anomalies, Inge trusted her calculations. In 1936, she published a groundbreaking paper proving that the Earth's core was not just a molten mass—it had a solid inner core, a core hidden within the fiery depths.

Its discovery revolutionized geology, but recognition was slow. Male scientists often took credit for his ideas, and his work was overshadowed for years. Still, she continued, indifferent to the lack of applause, for truth mattered more than fame. She worked well beyond her 70s, her genius remaining intact despite age and the condescending attitudes around her.

(Source: L'étonnant Quotidien)