New simulation models of Saturn’s interior have been presented, in a new study published in AGU Advances, by researchers at Johns Hopkins University. These new models suggest that a layer of helium influences the magnetic field of this planet and that the interior of the planet is likely characterized by higher temperatures in the equatorial region and lower in high altitude regions than those calculated. previously.
According to Sabine Stanley, planetary physicist at Johns Hopkins, studying the interior of this planet is very important because it allows us to understand not only how this planet evolved but also how other similar planets, even outside our system. solar, were formed and evolved.
The main characteristic of Saturn in terms of magnetic fields is that its magnetic field is almost perfectly symmetrical around its axis of rotation.
The researchers, who work mainly on data collected by NASA’s Cassini probe, therefore wanted to study the composition of the inner layers of this planet, precisely where the magnetic field is generated. Using powerful computers, they created new simulations, also inserting data about the climate, and they found that probably a slight degree of non-asymmetry could be in effect in the pole area but direct observation of these. areas of the planet is required for confirmation. If confirmed, in any case, this discovery could also prove useful in solving one of the most complicated tasks concerning Saturn: how to measure its speed of rotation, roughly the duration of a day on this planet.
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