Does Mercury have a weak magnetic field?

The Mariner 10 spacecraft had revealed that Mercury possessed a magnetic field similar to Earth’s, albeit one that is about 100 times weaker. The motion of liquid metal deep inside Mercury’s core generates the planet’s magnetic field, much the same way Earth’s field arises.

What does Mercury’s magnetic field tell us?

Mercury’s peculiar magnetic field provides evidence that iron turns from a liquid to a solid at the core’s outer boundary, say the scientists, whose research currently appears online in the journal Geophysical Research Letters and will be published in an upcoming print edition.

What is the main reason why Mercury does not have a strong magnetic field?

The spacecraft Mariner 10 flew by Mercury in 1974 and surprised the science community. Mercury was thought to be cold and dead inside, thus having no magnetic field.

Why is the magnetic field so weak?

The forces in the core and the tilt of the magnetic axis together produce the anomaly, the area of weaker magnetism – allowing charged particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field to dip closer to the surface.

Can you pick up mercury with a magnet?

How does it work ? The special metal powder amalgamates with mercury in the spillage area, clumping it while making it magnetic through its iron content. Then after mixing, all you need do is hold the powerful magnet over the spillage area to pick up the mercury for recycling and disposal.

Is mercury toxic?

Health effects of mercury exposure Elemental and methylmercury are toxic to the central and peripheral nervous systems. The inhalation of mercury vapour can produce harmful effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, lungs and kidneys, and may be fatal.

What is so special about mercury?

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and is also the smallest of the eight planets in our solar system. It is gravitationally locked and this rotation is unique to the solar system. Every seven years or so, Mercury can be seen from Earth passing across the face of the Sun.

Which has the weakest magnetic field?

The weakest magnetic field measured is 0.5 femtotesla/√Hz, and was achieved by Dr. Sheraz Khan (Pakistan) and Dr. David Cohen (USA), at the Martinos Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA, and was published in the Review of Scientific Instruments on 1 May 2013.

How magnetic field is created?

Scientists know that today the Earth’s magnetic field is powered by the solidification of the planet’s liquid iron core. The cooling and crystallization of the core stirs up the surrounding liquid iron, creating powerful electric currents that generate a magnetic field stretching far out into space.

How do you dispose of mercury at home?

Use an eyedropper or syringe (without a needle) to draw up the mercury beads. Slowly and carefully transfer the mercury into an unbreakable plastic container with an airtight lid (such as a plastic film canister). Place the container in a zip-lock bag. Label the bag as containing items contaminated with mercury.

Can you get mercury poisoning from broken thermometer?

Some thermometers and light bulbs contain very small amounts of mercury. If you break one, it’s unlikely to cause any health problems. However, you should avoid contact with the mercury and take extra care when cleaning it up.