Question about a magnetic dynamo on tidally locked moons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the viability of maintaining a magnetic dynamo in tidally locked moons or double planets, particularly focusing on the effects of orbital rotation versus axial rotation. Participants explore the implications of mutual tidal locking and rapid orbital periods on dynamo activity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether orbital rotation in a tidally locked system could sustain a magnetic dynamo, given the absence of axial rotation.
  • There is a suggestion that the mutual orbital rotation might not be sufficient for maintaining the dynamo, as the planet itself may need to rotate on its axis to facilitate the flow of liquid metal.
  • Participants discuss the definition of planetary rotation versus mutual orbital rotation, indicating a need for clarity on these concepts.
  • One participant proposes that if both bodies are tidally locked, they would rotate with a period of 30 to 60 hours, which could have similar effects on the internal dynamo as Earth's rotation.
  • Another participant raises a hypothetical scenario regarding the Moon being lowered to a geostationary orbit and questions the potential effects on the geodynamo.
  • There is a viewpoint that tidal effects may not significantly influence the dynamo, suggesting that tidal heating could keep the interior hotter but not directly affect the dynamo's operation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the role of orbital rotation in sustaining a dynamo, with no consensus reached on whether it is sufficient without axial rotation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the impact of tidal effects on dynamo activity.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for clear definitions of planetary and mutual orbital rotation, indicating that misunderstandings may affect the discussion. The implications of tidal locking and its effects on dynamo activity are not fully explored, leaving some assumptions unaddressed.

Althistorybuff
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All,

Non-scientist amateur looking for an answer.

I understand that planetary rotation aid is vital to maintain a magnetic dynamo. Venus' slow reverse rotation is often used as an explanation for its odd low magnetic field.

Assume there is a moon or a double planet that is tidally locked, therefore no rotation, but is in a very rapid orbit, say 20 to 40 hours. Would the orbital rotation do anything to stimulate the dynamo or would it likely die due to lack of spin?

For example, the Earth will eventually becoming tidally locked to the moon and the dual system will orbit one another. Would this mutual spinning orbit, but no individual rotation, do anything to maintain the dynamo?

Can you maintain a dynamo when mutally tidally locked, either the planet or the moon?

Thanks.
 
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Althistorybuff said:
Assume there is a moon or a double planet that is tidally locked, therefore no rotation, but is in a very rapid orbit, say 20 to 40 hours. Would the orbital rotation do anything to stimulate the dynamo or would it likely die due to lack of spin?
Imagine you're on one of the tidally locked planets. Can you see the sky rotate around you or not?
 
Bandersnatch said:
Imagine you're on one of the tidally locked planets. Can you see the sky rotate around you or not?

You would not have a planetary rotation but would have an mutual orbital rotation with the other body. Is that enough for a dynamo to keep going or does the planet itself have to rotate on its axis to keep that liquid metal flowing?

From the surface of the moon, you would see the stars and sun moving as it orbited the sun and the other body but the mutually tidally locked body would always stay in place for half the planet.
 
Althistorybuff said:
You would not have a planetary rotation but would have an mutual orbital rotation with the other body.
How do you define planetary rotation and mutual orbital rotation? What do you think is the difference?

Althistorybuff said:
From the surface of the moon, you would see the stars and sun moving as it orbited the sun and the other body but the mutually tidally locked body would always stay in place for half the planet.
If you can see the sky rotate around you, then the body you're standing on is rotating. You can find out how fast by measuring the time for the background stars to make a full circle (i.e. the rotational angular velocity). On Earth it takes 24 hours. How long does it take on the Moon? How long does it take on a planet that is tidally locked to another body with mutual orbital period of e.g. 24 hours?
 
Bandersnatch said:
How do you define planetary rotation and mutual orbital rotation? What do you think is the difference?If you can see the sky rotate around you, then the body you're standing on is rotating. You can find out how fast by measuring the time for the background stars to make a full circle (i.e. the rotational angular velocity). On Earth it takes 24 hours. How long does it take on the Moon? How long does it take on a planet that is tidally locked to another body with mutual orbital period of e.g. 24 hours?

I would have it as a very short "month" of perhaps 30 to 60 hours due to close co-orbit of the two mutually locked bodies.
 
Then both planets will be rotating with the period of 30 to 60 hours. This is comparable to Earth rotation. Whatever causative effect on the internal dynamo that has, will be roughly the same.

Tidal lock means 1:1 spin-orbit resonance. For each one full rotation there is one full orbit.
 
Last edited:
So suppose that Moon were lowered to the 24 hour geostationary orbit - leaving Earth´s rotation period unaltered.
Would there be any effects on geodynamo?
 
I don't think tidal effects have any bearing on the dynamo. Maybe just the tidal heating keeping the interior a bit hotter than it'd be otherwise.
 

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