Definition
The magnetic field of a planet or satellite can be measured by magnetometers onboard orbiting space craft or – more locally – onboard landers and rovers. The magnetic field at any given point has a strength and a direction and thus is a vector field. On a global scale and measured at some distance from the planet or satellite, planetary magnetic fields resemble dipole fields. On or close to the surface the field is typically of more complicated topology. Planetary magnetic fields are generated by a dynamo mechanism in the iron-rich liquid core shells of terrestrial planets and satellites, in metallic hydrogen shells in Jupiter and Saturn, and in ionic oceans in Uranus and Neptune. Magnetic fields may be also induced in electrically conducting oceans in icy moons such as the Jovian moon Europa. Local magnetic fields may be caused by remnantly magnetized rock.
Overview
Magnetic fields are – in general – detected by the force they exert on magnetic materials and electrical...
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References and Further Reading
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Spohn, T. (2014). Magnetic Field, Planetary. In: Amils, R., et al. Encyclopedia of Astrobiology. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_920-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-27833-4_920-3
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