Planetary magnetic fields

[halman]

What causes a planet to have a magnetic field? It is not a function of a molten, rock core, because Jupiter has an extremely powerful magnetic field, yet it is not a rocky planet. Other rocky planets do not have magnetic fields, so what is the secret? Large moons? Luck? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> The secret to peace of mind is a short attention span. </div>

 

[halman]

I also was thinking that figuring out how a planet generates a magnetic field might help us to learn how to create a magnetic 'shield' for spacecraft on long-duration missions, or in orbits within the Van Allan belts. I consider this to be an essential development if we are to really be able to move freely in space. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> The secret to peace of mind is a short attention span. </div>

 

[alokmohan]

Find out and get your doctorate.

 

[derekmcd]

Dynamo Theory <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <div> </div><br /><div><span style="color:#0000ff" class="Apple-style-span">"If something's hard to do, then it's not worth doing." - Homer Simpson</span></div> </div>

 

[3488]

In the case of Mercury, Earth & Ganymede, convecting & / or spinning molten iron.<br /><br />In the case of Jupiter & Saturn, convecting & / or spinning Metallic Hydrogen.<br /><br />Europa & Callisto, induced fields through saline by Jupiter's own magnetosphere.<br /><br />Uranus & Neptune, convecting supercritical water.<br /><br />Andrew Brown. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080">"I suddenly noticed an anomaly to the left of Io, just off the rim of that world. It was extremely large with respect to the overall size of Io and crescent shaped. It seemed unbelievable that something that big had not been visible before".</font> <em><strong><font color="#000000">Linda Morabito </font></strong><font color="#800000">on discovering that the Jupiter moon Io was volcanically active. Friday 9th March 1979.</font></em></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://www.launchphotography.com/</font><br /><br /><font size="1" color="#000080">http://anthmartian.googlepages.com/thisislandearth</font></p><p><font size="1" color="#000080">http://web.me.com/meridianijournal</font></p> </div>