Earth is a giant magnet, with its own magnetic field. It is believed that this magnetic field is generated by the churning of the planet’s liquid-iron core, which creates electric currents that in turn produce the field. Its magnetic field protects us from charged particles from the sun and other sources in space. These particles, such as protons and electrons, are part of the solar wind. Without the field, these particles would strip away the atmosphere and make life on Earth impossible. The Earth’s magnetic field also helps direct migratory birds and other animals in their travels.