Could a Swallowed Moon Explain Uranus's Tilt and Magnetic Field?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the peculiar tilt and magnetic field of Uranus, exploring the hypothesis that these features could be explained by a large moon or planetoid being "swallowed" by the planet. Participants consider various aspects of planetary formation and magnetic field generation, engaging with both theoretical and speculative ideas.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that Uranus's tilt and magnetic field could result from a large moon or planetoid with an iron core being absorbed by the planet.
  • Another participant acknowledges the possibility but emphasizes the need for serious computer modeling to explore this hypothesis further.
  • Some participants argue that the history of collisions among celestial bodies supports the idea that Uranus could have been impacted by a large object, contributing to its tilt.
  • A later reply points out that while a collision might explain the tilt, it does not necessarily account for the off-centered magnetic field, which could arise from a conducting layer away from the core.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the plausibility of the swallowed moon hypothesis, with some supporting it and others questioning its sufficiency to explain the magnetic field. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing ideas presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the complexity of planetary formation and magnetic field generation, highlighting the need for further investigation and modeling to clarify these phenomena. There is also mention of the limitations in current understanding regarding the specific mechanisms involved.

YoungDreamer
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I have just finished reading Cosmos by Giles Sparrow and after reading about the odd features of Uranus I have been thinking about it and was wondering...

Could Uranus's tilt and off-centered magnetic field be the result of a large moon or planetoid that was "swallowed" by the planet.

It is thought that the tilt is related to a large collision, but if Uranus is mostly gas and liquid then what if a moon or planetoid with a large iron core and its own magnetic field fell into Uranus?
 
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I suppose its possible. I'm not sure there's any real way to tell unless you do some serious computer models.
 
It's not improbable because it does make sense. There were many collisions between many planets and asteroids. Our own Earth was made from two larger planets colliding, knowing that, it makes sense that Uranus would be hit by a planetoid or moon with a large iron core and so would give Uranus its tilt.
 
Allojubrious said:
It's not improbable because it does make sense. There were many collisions between many planets and asteroids. Our own Earth was made from two larger planets colliding, knowing that, it makes sense that Uranus would be hit by a planetoid or moon with a large iron core and so would give Uranus its tilt.

Are you reading my sig? I think I need to color that or something lol...
 
YoungDreamer said:
I have just finished reading Cosmos by Giles Sparrow and after reading about the odd features of Uranus I have been thinking about it and was wondering...

Could Uranus's tilt and off-centered magnetic field be the result of a large moon or planetoid that was "swallowed" by the planet.

It is thought that the tilt is related to a large collision, but if Uranus is mostly gas and liquid then what if a moon or planetoid with a large iron core and its own magnetic field fell into Uranus?

The off centre field is probably due to the field being generated in a conducting layer away from the core itself. Neptune's field does something similar. The magnetic field doesn't need an iron core to be generated, just moving charges and sufficient conductivity.

Doesn't mean the collision you describe didn't happen, but it's not an explanation for the field.
 

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