What is the estimated thickness range for Mercury's immense iron heart?
Answer
Between 400 to 700 kilometers thick
The iron core beneath Mercury's surface is described as immense, and its physical dimensions have been estimated by scientists studying the planet. These estimates place the thickness of this core structure to be between 400 to 700 kilometers deep. This substantial depth contributes significantly to the planet’s overall mass distribution, cementing its status as the planet with the highest proportion of iron. This core is also believed to contain a liquid outer layer, which is crucial for generating the observed global magnetic field.
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