Helium 'rain' in Saturn's interior may influence magnetic field – Astronomy Now
Data from the Cassini spacecraft’s final few orbits of Saturn, plugged into powerful computer models, indicate the presence of a layer consisting of helium “rain” falling above the convective metallic hydrogen responsible for the planet’s dynamo. The “Helium Insoluble Layer,” or HIL, acts to inhibit dynamo action, helping explain features of Saturn’s magnetic field. Image: Yi Zheng (HEMI/MICA Extreme Arts Program) Data collected by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft during its final few orbits of Saturn are adding new insights into the nature of the ringed planet’s magnetic field. Sa...
Source: astronomynow.com