Does Mercury have a molten core?
Abstract
THE discovery of an intrinsic magnetic field for the planet Mercury by Mariner 10 (ref. 1) and its preferred source in an internal dynamo2 imply the existence of a conducting molten core. We propose here a feasible, non-seismic observational experiment to determine the existence and extent of such a molten core, which would be vital for calculations of Mercurian thermal histories and dynamo field generation.
- Publication:
-
Nature
- Pub Date:
- August 1976
- DOI:
- 10.1038/262765a0
- Bibcode:
- 1976Natur.262..765P
- Keywords:
-
- Dynamo Theory;
- Mercury (Planet);
- Planetary Evolution;
- Planetary Magnetic Fields;
- Planetary Structure;
- Cores;
- Moments Of Inertia;
- Planetary Mantles;
- Planetary Orbits;
- Thermal Conductivity;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration