Chemical Compass Molecule (IMAGE)

Arizona State University

Chemical Compass Molecule

Caption

Upon excitation with light, an electron moves from one end of the molecule to the other. The time it takes for this electron to return to its initial position is sensitive to the magnitude and direction of magnetic fields similar to those of the Earth. Birds may use a similar phenomenon to navigate.

Credit

Graphic by Devens Gust, Arizona State University

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Credit line: Graphic by Devens Gust, Arizona State University

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