This figure shows a cross-section of the planet Mars revealing an inner, high density core buried deep within the interior. Dipole magnetic field lines are drawn in blue, showing the global scale magnetic field that one associates with dynamo generation in the core. Mars must have one day had such a field, but today it is not evident. Perhaps the energy source that powered the early dynamo has shut down. The differentiation of the planet interior - heavy elements like iron sinking towards the center of the planet - can provide energy as can the formation of a solid core from the liquid.
Last Modified: 15 February 2001
Curator: Patricia Lawton, Emergent
Email: Patricia.Lawton@gsfc.nasa.gov
Responsible NASA Representative: Mario Acuņa
Email: Mario.H.Acuna.1@gsfc.nasa.gov