22 Jul 2025

Shower Thoughts: Could you tunnel through the centre of the earth?

From Nights, 8:40 pm on 22 July 2025

This is where we find experts to answer those curious questions that come to you amidst the steam and soap suds of the shower. 

Tonight: if you tunneled right under your feet through to the other side of the planet, how long would it take? How would gravity work? And could you ever possibly survive the journey?

Alfredo looks into the camera. He is wearing a black turtleneck.

Dr Alfredo Carpineti is a senior writer and space correspondent for IFL Science. Photo: Supplied

Dr Alfredo Carpineti, astrophysicist and senior staff writer at IFL Science, talks to Emile about what would happen if you actually tried to tunnel through the centre of the earth.  

Planet Earth with detailed exaggerated relief at night lit by the lights of cities. New Zealand. 3D rendering. Elements of this image furnished by NASA

Photo: 123rf.com