Journal Article

Exploring Potential Impact‐Induced Magnetic Signatures at the Tunguska Event Epicenter Using UAV‐Based Magnetometry

Takáč, M., Petrucha, V., Hasson, N., Kletetschka, G., Kavkova, R.

2025

Overview

The Tunguska event of 1908 remains the most significant atmospheric explosion in recorded history, yet its geophysical effects, particularly its impact on Earth's magnetic field, remain uncertain. This study presents the first detailed magnetometer survey of the Tunguska epicenter, aiming to map regional magnetic anomalies and assess potential impact‐induced magnetization. The survey used unmanned aerial vehicle and covered approximately 30 square kilometers, revealing a complex pattern of magnetic anomalies that correlate with known geological structures. Notably, some anomalies exhibit spatial alignment with the presumed trajectory of the airburst (∼300° azimuth), suggesting potential influence from the event. This spatial correlation raises the possibility that transient electromagnetic effects from the airburst, such as ionization‐induced remagnetization or shock‐induced changes in magnetic mineralogy, could have contributed to the observed anomaly distribution. However, due to the limitations of our data set, we cannot definitively attribute any observed anomalies to impact‐related remagnetization. Our analysis identifies regions where future rock magnetic studies could provide further insights. We discuss possible mechanisms for transient remagnetization, including ionization effects and shock‐induced mineral transformations, while emphasizing the necessity of future paleomagnetic sampling to test these hypotheses. These findings establish a foundational geophysical data set for future interdisciplinary investigations into the Tunguska event's environmental and geological consequences. Plain Language Summary Our study investigates the Tunguska event, a massive explosion that occurred in Siberia in 1908, likely caused by an asteroid or comet entering Earth's atmosphere. This event is the largest cosmic impact recorded in human history, but its origins and effects are still not fully understood. We used drones equipped with sensitive magnetic sensors to create detailed maps of variations in Earth's magnetic field around the area where the explosion occurred. These variations, or “anomalies,” can give us clues about the underlying rock structures and potential changes caused by the cosmic event. Some of the magnetic patterns we observed line up with the path we believe the object took as it entered the atmosphere. This suggests the explosion might have altered the magnetic properties of the local rocks and soil. Our findings not only help us understand more about the Tunguska event but also provide insights into how such cosmic impacts can affect Earth's surface. This research could help identify and study other impact sites on Earth and potentially on other planets. Key Points Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)‐based magnetic survey identifies previously unrecognized anomalies at the Tunguska site Magnetic anomalies at the Tunguska site align with the presumed impact trajectory Innovative use of UAVs demonstrates the effectiveness of airborne magnetometry in surveying remote and inaccessible regions

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,American Geophysical Union (AGU)
• Subject: Altitude / cosmic‐geological interaction / drone survey / Geological structures / Geology / geophysical mapping / Investigations / Ionization / magnetic anomalies / Magnetic fields / Magnetic studies / Meteors & meteorites / Mineralogy / Paleomagnetism / Permafrost / Sediments / Tunguska impact / UAV magnetic survey / Unmanned aerial vehicles / Vegetation