Jupiter was once double in size and 50 times the magnetic power; key details inside: Study
New research uncovers a dramatic fact about our solar system's biggest planet, Jupiter, with a diameter of 142,984 kilometres, which is about eleven times larger than Earth's diameter.
It was previously almost twice its present size and possessed a magnetic field 50 times greater than it does now. The findings were made in a
study by astronomers Konstantin Batygin (Caltech)
and Fred C. Adams (University of Michigan), which appeared in Nature Astronomy and is otherwise described in outlets such as Caltech News and arXiv.
Their study of Jupiter's small inner moons, especially the slightly inclined orbits of Amalthea and Thebe, enabled them to make a rough estimate of the early size of the planet and its strong magnetism.
This condition probably prevailed some 3.8 million years after the solar system's first solid particles condensed.
A magnetic force that could fry a spacecraft? What?
credit: canva
Jupiter's early magnetic field strength is estimated at around 21 millitesla—roughly 50 times stronger than its current field. Such intense magnetism would have generated severe radiation belts that could easily disable or destroy an unprotected spacecraft.
Even today, NASA missions like Juno contend with Jupiter's radiation by using heavily shielded electronics housed in specially designed vaults (NASA JPL).
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The magnetic history of Jupiter's field highlights that planetary magnetism must be taken into account not only in mission planning but also in comprehending the way planets engage with their surroundings and shape the solar system's architecture.
Shaping the solar system
credit: canva
Jupiter's gravitational and magnetic influence during its giant early stage would almost certainly have had a long-term effect on the structure of the solar system.
Its size and power would have affected the orbits of objects close to it, aborted planet formation in some areas, and influenced protoplanetary material trajectories.
This comes in line with the "core accretion" gas giant formation model, backing up theories that Jupiter was at the centre of being a solar system architect. The findings add richness to how the early solar system developed, and highlight Jupiter's spot at the centre.
What conclusions do these findings suggest?
These findings not only rewrite our understanding of the solar system, let alone our knowledge about Jupiter's formative years. This study opens new arenas in the exoplanetary systems. By analysing how gas giants like Jupiter evolved so dramatically, scientists can refine models across the galaxy.
As our space agencies begin to prosper and gear up for future missions to the moon and planets such as Jupiter, this insight will be important in navigating the planet's complex environment and will further unlock secrets of planetary systems that go beyond our knowledge
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