Without a functional protective magnetic field around itself, a terrestrial planet such as Mars would be extremely vulnerable to harsh solar winds and lose all the water on its surface, making it incapable of sustaining life.

Isn't this now a discredited theory?

[–] CheeseNoodle@lemmy.world 10 points 2 years ago (1 children)

It still doesn't have a magnetic field, the theory was always that it used to have one which then shut down as the core solidified. The only difference is now we know it not 100% solid yet.

[–] UnculturedSwine@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I feel like they're hinting at the possibility that more heat can possibly radiate out from the core in the future and generate a mantle along with its own magnetic field. I can't wait to read about what else they discover with this data.

[–] Kalothar@lemmy.ca 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

So what you’re saying… checks notes

…Is that we need to drill a hole to the center of Mars and detonate a nuke to heat that baby right back up?