Editing Neanderthal extinction (section)

===Magnetic reversal===
Some researchers have suggested that the [[Laschamp event|Laschamps geomagnetic excursion]], a short reversal of Earth's magnetic field around 41,000 years ago, may have contributed to the extinction of the Neanderthals. The excursion caused a weakening of the intensity of the magnetic field which protects Earth from harmful radiation, including [[ultraviolet radiation]], which is dangerous to humans. It is argued that modern humans may have been less susceptible to the radiation's damaging effects than Neanderthals because they used [[ochre]] as a sunshield and wore tailored clothing, which provides more protection than the Neanderthals' simple draped clothing.<ref>{{cite journal| last= Mukhopadhyay|first=Agnit |display-authors=etal| journal= Science Advances|title=Wandering of the auroral oval 41,000 years ago|volume=11 |number=16  |url=https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adq7275?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ScienceAdviser&utm_content=distillation&et_rid=95028852&et_cid=5592294 |doi= 10.1126/sciadv.adq7275|date= 16 April 2025|pages= |issn= |doi-access=free|pmc=12002135}}</ref>