TL;DR
The New York Times published an 'Overlooked No More' obituary highlighting Inge Lehmann, credited with discovering the Earth's inner core. The full text of the article is not available in the provided source; details beyond that headline are not confirmed.
What happened
The New York Times ran an 'Overlooked No More' piece drawing attention to Inge Lehmann, whom the headline credits with the discovery of the Earth’s inner core. The item appears in the paper’s obituary/retrospective series and was published on Dec. 22, 2025, according to the source metadata. Beyond the headline and brief excerpt the provider supplied, the full article text was not available to consult. As a result, additional specifics about Lehmann’s life, the context and timing of her discovery, the methods she used, any institutional affiliations, and biographical milestones are not confirmed in the source. What is clear from the available information is that Lehmann is being presented in this obituary framework as the scientist associated with identifying the planet’s inner core, and that the piece is part of a broader effort to revisit notable figures who may have been underrecognized.
Why it matters
- Identifying the Earth’s inner core is a foundational claim in studies of Earth structure and seismology.
- Revisiting such discoveries in obituary form can reshape public understanding of who contributed to major scientific advances.
- Featuring Lehmann in 'Overlooked No More' signals recognition of historical contributions that may have received insufficient attention.
Key facts
- Inge Lehmann is credited in the source headline with discovering the Earth’s inner core.
- The New York Times featured her in its 'Overlooked No More' series.
- The New York Times item was published on Dec. 22, 2025, per the source metadata.
- Full article text and substantive details were not available in the provided source.
- Specifics such as Lehmann’s biography, dates, nationality, the year of her discovery, methods, and career milestones are not confirmed in the source.
- Source URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/20/obituaries/inge-lehmann-overlooked.html
What to watch next
- Not confirmed in the source: a full publication of the obituary containing biographical details, timeline and the scientific context of Lehmann’s discovery.
- Not confirmed in the source: any follow-up archival releases, interviews, or academic retrospectives prompted by the obituary.
Quick glossary
- Inner core: The central region of the Earth, distinguished from outer layers by differences in composition and physical state; in seismology it is identified through the behavior of seismic waves.
- Seismology: The scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of elastic waves through the Earth, used to infer internal structure.
- Obituary: A published notice that reports a person’s death and often summarizes their life, achievements and legacy.
- Overlooked No More: A New York Times series that revisits and publishes obituaries for historically overlooked figures.
Reader FAQ
What did Inge Lehmann discover?
According to the source headline, she discovered the Earth’s inner core.
When did the New York Times publish this piece?
The provided source metadata lists the publication date as Dec. 22, 2025.
Where can I read the full obituary?
The URL in the source is https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/20/obituaries/inge-lehmann-overlooked.html but the full text was not available in the material provided.
What else is known about Lehmann’s life and career from this source?
Not confirmed in the source.
Comments
Sources
- Overlooked No More: Inge Lehmann, Who Discovered the Earth's Inner Core
- Inge Lehmann: Discoverer of the Earth's Inner Core
- Inge Lehmann
- September 1936: Seismologist Inge Lehmann Concludes …
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