| MadSci Network: Astronomy |
The Sun's magnetic field is thought to be produced by a dynamo of fluid motions within and just below the convection zone at the interface between the radiative and convective zones.
The Earth's own magnetic dynamo is thought to originate at the interface between the core and the mantle.
There is something about hot ionized fluids (and perhaps transition regions) that create magnetism. The Dynamo effect is still something not quite fully understood. But simplistically, ionized fluids behave like a current loop and like a current loop, produce a magnetic field.
These links are an outstanding TOME of our understanding of the SUN. Complete with diagrams and color animations.
http://wwwssl.msfc.nasa.gov/ssl/pad/solar/the_key.htm
http://wwwssl.msfc.nasa.gov/ssl/pad/solar/dynamo.htm
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Jeff W. Robertson ; } Improvise, Adapt, Overcome...Iterate! Arkansas Tech University Department of Physical Sciences Russellville, AR 72801-2222
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