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The Astrophysical Journal
Article . 2004 . Peer-reviewed
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The Magnetic Field in Giant Extrasolar Planets

Authors: A. Sánchez-Lavega;

The Magnetic Field in Giant Extrasolar Planets

Abstract

We study the internal structure and the convective motions of giant extrasolar planets in order to calculate their dynamo-generated surface magnetic field and dipolar magnetic moment. Using evolutionary models, we investigate the existence of magnetism in planets with masses ranging from 0.3MJ to 10MJ and with rotation periods ranging from synchronism in "hot Jupiters" (with periods of 3-4 days) to the breakdown centrifugal limit (with periods of 2-5 hr). We find that the high Rayleigh and low Ekman numbers in the interior metallic-hydrogen region guarantee convective motions even for low-mass and evolved (aged) planets. The convective velocities estimated from mixing-length theory and from "magnetostrophic" balances yield high Reynolds and magnetic Reynolds numbers (~103-106), permitting the self-excited dynamo mechanism. Strong magnetism occurs in young massive and rapidly rotating extrasolar planets (with surface magnetic fields of ~30-60 G), but older or orbitally synchronized planets should have fields of ~1 G. We discuss the implications of these results for the detection of magnetic fields in extrasolar planets.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
91
Top 10%
Top 10%
Top 10%
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