Using Jupiter’s gravitational field to probe the Jovian convective dynamo

Using Jupiter’s gravitational field to probe the Jovian convective dynamo [1]

Convective motion in the deep metallic hydrogen region of Jupiter is believed to generate its magnetic field, the strongest in the solar system. The amplitude, structure and depth of the convective motion are unknown. A promising way of probing the Jovian convective dynamo is to measure its effect on the external gravitational field, a task to be soon undertaken by the Juno spacecraft. We calculate the gravitational signature of non-axisymmetric convective motion in the Jovian metallic hydrogen region and show that with sufficiently accurate measurements it can reveal the nature of the deep convection.

Original Source [2]

Publication Date:

23/03/2016

Author(s): Dali Kong [3], Keke Zhang [4], Gerald Schubert [5]

Source: Scientific Reports [6]

Vol:

Issue:

23497

pp:

1-7

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