The Tunguska event was a massive explosion that occurred over Siberia in 1908, likely caused by a comet or asteroid entering Earth’s atmosphere. It flattened over 2,000 square kilometers of forest, yet left no crater behind, and many questions about its impact remain unanswered. In this study, we used drones equipped with sensitive magnetic sensors to survey the area where the explosion occurred. These instruments measured small changes in Earth's magnetic field, which can help us detect hidden geological features or signs that the explosion may have altered the local rocks.

We discovered several unusual magnetic patterns near the explosion site, including a band of magnetic anomalies that lines up with the direction the object is thought to have traveled. Some of these signals suggest shallow rocks may have been magnetized or disturbed by the event itself—perhaps by shockwaves or electric currents generated during the airburst.

Our results provide the most detailed magnetic map of the Tunguska epicenter to date. This work lays the foundation for future studies that can help scientists better understand how cosmic explosions interact with Earth’s surface—not just at Tunguska, but also at other potential impact sites around the world or even on other planets.