Why Does Mercury Have a Big Iron Core? (IMAGE)

Tohoku University

Why Does Mercury Have a Big Iron Core?

Caption

The magnetic field of the early Sun. The start of the solar system sees the initiation of the Sun's dynamo, which creates a strong magnetic field (green lines), that pulls magnetic, iron--rich particles towards the Sun in the planetary accretion disk.

Credit

NASA/JPL-Caltech

Usage Restrictions

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.