All articles tagged with #core formation
A new study suggests Jupiter’s moon Ganymede could still be differentiating its metallic core billions of years after formation, with iron–sulfur melt slowly feeding a protocore that powers a long‑lived magnetic dynamo and likely an ocean beneath its ice. If correct, this ongoing core growth could explain why Ganymede remains magnetically active while other moons fade, and future missions like JUICE may test the idea.
A new study from Arizona State University suggests that Europa, Jupiter's moon, may have formed slower than previously thought, with less interior heat. This has implications for the potential habitability of Europa's ocean, as the formation of a metallic core and hydrothermal activity on the ocean floor are crucial for supporting life. The study proposes an alternative origin for Europa, involving a cooler formation process with hydrated rocks. The upcoming Europa Clipper mission is expected to provide more insights into Europa's internal heat and habitability.