The atoms in question were stripped of their outer electrons and trapped in an electric field, in a vacuum, at extremely low temperatures.

ECONOMIST: The 2012 Nobel prizes

The metal returns up the outer cylinder, and electric currents create a magnetic field.

BBC: Planet Earth

The inner core, made of very pure, solid iron, rotates along with the outer core, dragging the Earth's magnetic field with them.

BBC: Earth's wobbles reveal deep secrets

The research could help test simulations of how the outer, fluid core generates the Earth's magnetic field, which shields our planet and the teeming life on it from harmful cosmic rays.

BBC: NEWS | Science/Nature | Earth's core runs ahead of crust

The field has been replaced by various exotic and cartoony settings like a skateboard park or outer space.

FORBES: CES: Hall Of Famer Jerry Rice's First Video Game