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Electrical conductivity of condensed molecular hydrogen in the giant planetsTheoretical interpretation of several phenomena concerning Jupiter and Saturn depends upon the electrical conductivity of molecular hydrogen which, according to present models, forms the outermost layer of both planets. The layer starts at the transition pressure between the metallic and the molecular form of hydrogen, that is around 1 Mbar, and extends to the outside limits of the atmosphere. Whether at the highest pressures (and temperatures) this layer is a solid or a dense fluid is not certain. In any case, the fluid is in supercritical condition so that there is only a gradual transition from dense liquid to a gaseous form. The two theories which require specific values of the conductivity of the condensed molecular hydrogen are those pertaining to the generation of a magnetic field in the liquid hydrogen rather than in the deep metallic interior (HIDE, 1967), and those concerned with the electromagnetic coupling and exchange of angular momentum between the liquid core and the solid molecular hydrogen mantle.
Document ID
19740003517
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Smoluchowski, R.
(Princeton Univ. NJ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1972
Publication Information
Publication: Univ. Space Res. Assoc. High Pressure Phys. and Planetary Interiors
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Accession Number
74N11630
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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