Does Jupiter Have a Magnetic Field?
Answer at a Glance: Jupiter does have a magnetic field. In fact, Jupiter’s magnetic field is not only the largest magnetic field in the solar system, it is also the largest object in the solar system, surpassing the size of the sun. [1]
Dig Deeper
Jupiter’s Magnetic Field Origin
Jupiter’s magnetic field is a marvel of the solar system, unique in its vastness and complexity. Despite Jupiter’s core being only a small rock and metalcore about Earth’s size, it is enveloped by a remarkable layer of liquid hydrogen with metallic properties. This, combined with Jupiter’s rapid rotation rate of about 10 hours per cycle, gives birth to a magnetic field that is a staggering 20,000 times stronger than Earth’s. [2]
Jupiter’s Magnetosphere
A magnetosphere is a term used to describe the region around a planet dominated by its magnetic field. [3] Stretching about 12 million miles east to west, Jupiter has the largest and strongest magnetosphere of all the planets. [4]
The magnetosphere of Jupiter is a colossal entity, surpassing even the sun in size. It extends far beyond the planet, creating a vast region dominated by its magnetic field. [5]
Jupiter’s enormous magnetosphere interacts with the charged particles of the solar wind. These particles, in turn, shape the magnetosphere into an elongated form that extends beyond the orbit of Saturn. [6]
Aurorae of Jupiter
The magnetic field of Jupiter can be observed by the intense aurorae usually visible at its poles. Ions follow the magnetic field lines down to the pole in the atmosphere, where they interact with atmospheric particles to produce light. The aurorae of Jupiter are some of the most active in the solar system because the atmosphere of Jupiter receives a flux of ions from Ios, its volcanically active moon, significantly increasing the frequency and intensity of aurorae. [7]
References
- [1] NASA – Explore – “Jupiter’s Magnetic Field Visualization.”
- [2] University of Northern Iowa – “Jupiter and Saturn.”
- [3] NASA – Explore – “Magnetospheres.”
- [4] NASA – Explore – “NASA Investigates Invisible Magnetic Bubbles In Outer Solar System.”
- [5][6] Georgia State University – Hyperphysics – “Jupiter’s Magnetic Field.”
- [7] NASA – Astronomy Picture of the Day – “Close Up of Aurora on Jupiter.”
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