To sum it all up, researchers solved the long-standing puzzle of how cold ions break free from the atmosphere by measuring this slight voltage across Earth’s poles.

Scientists see this field as an important key for unraveling how other planets lose air into space. The same physical processes may apply to places like Mars and Venus, where subtle electric forces could be influencing the thickness and composition of their skies.

Studying these effects on different worlds might even shed light on the potential for life elsewhere in our solar system.

Experts emphasize that this newly confirmed electric field surrounding Earth stands alongside magnetism and gravity as a fundamental feature of our planet.

“Any planet with an atmosphere should have an ambipolar field,” Collinson said. “Now that we’ve finally measured it, we can begin learning how it’s shaped our planet as well as others over time.”