Size/Mass of a planet needed in order to have a molten core or a magnetic field?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the size and mass required for a planet to possess a molten core or a magnetic field, emphasizing that factors such as composition, density, and formation play crucial roles. It suggests that there may not be a strict limit on size, but rather that the planet's characteristics and age are significant. The conversation references the magnetic fields of Neptune and Uranus, highlighting that their magnetic fields may originate from liquid layers rather than the core itself. The need for more data and samples to draw definitive conclusions is acknowledged. Overall, understanding the interplay of these factors is essential for determining planetary characteristics.
jarroe
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
How big does a planet have to be in order for it to have a molten core or a magnetic field? Assuming no other large objects were close enough to affect the planet with their own pull or magnetic field. I would imagine the composition/density of the planet would play a factor as well, but do we have any formulas out there that would descibe this. Perhaps we don't have enough samples/data to make an informed decision on this yet?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Age of the planet would factor in as well I am sure?
 

Thread 'How feasible is home radio astronomy?'

Is a homemade radio telescope realistic? There seems to be a confluence of multiple technologies that makes the situation better than when I was a wee lad: software-defined radio (SDR), the easy availability of satellite dishes, surveillance drives, and fast CPUs. Let's take a step back - it is trivial to see the sun in radio. An old analog TV, a set of "rabbit ears" antenna, and you're good to go. Point the antenna at the sun (i.e. the ears are perpendicular to it) and there is...
View full post »

Thread 'Our Beautiful Universe - Photos and Videos'

This thread is dedicated to the beauty and awesomeness of our Universe. If you feel like it, please share video clips and photos (or nice animations) of space and objects in space in this thread. Your posts, clips and photos may by all means include scientific information; that does not make it less beautiful to me (n.b. the posts must of course comply with the PF guidelines, i.e. regarding science, only mainstream science is allowed, fringe/pseudoscience is not allowed). n.b. I start this...
View full post »

Similar threads

B Molten Core of Mars: Could Tidal Action from a Moon Create a Magnetic Field?
Replies
18
Views
4K
B Does being tidally locked affect a planet's magnetic field?
Replies
2
Views
3K
I How does mars have a magnetic field, with a cooled core?
Replies
10
Views
4K
I New Developments In The Search For Planet X
Replies
2
Views
3K
I Composition of Jupiter: Ices, Cores & Outer Gas Layers
Replies
24
Views
4K
Can a planet/moon's atmosphere generate a magnetic field?
Replies
5
Views
3K
Could the Moon be the cooled remains of a planets core?
Replies
10
Views
5K
I If a planet struck the sun, would fragments be blasted out?
Replies
7
Views
3K
B Experiment issues (electromagnetism)
Replies
42
Views
2K
I Do black holes have magnetic fields?
Replies
44
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top