Why does Jupiter have such a strong magnetic field?

Could Jupiter’s size explain its monstrous magnetic field? We take a look…

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Jupiter’s magnetosphere – the region of space dominated by the planet’s magnetic field –is enormous

Jupiter’s magnetosphere – the region of space dominated by the planet’s magnetic field –is enormous

Asked by Jack Neville

Larger, complex and up to ten times the strength of Earth’s, Jupiter’s magnetic field is thought to arise from electrical currents emanating from a rapidly spinning, metallic hydrogen interior.

The planet’s field is almost a doughnut shape, containing gigantic versions of the Earth’s Van Allen Belts, which trap high-energy charged particles of mostly electrons and protons. There are also forces associated with the rapid rotation of Jupiter and because of these, along with the giant planet’s magnetic field, these particles are flattened into plasma sheets. Jupiter’s magnetic field rotates around once every nine hours.

Image Credit: NASA

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