This figure illustrates the motions of the interior which contribute toward generating the magnetosphere.
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Image from: Random House Atlas

The Generation of Saturn's Magnetosphere

Magnetospheres are generated with 1.) magnetic materials and 2.) with motions within the magnetic material.

The terrestrial planets generate magnetospheres within the iron cores at the center. This leads to dipole-shaped, rounded magnetic fields. Saturn has almost no iron core, however.

The magnetic material of Saturn is found within the liquid metallic shell found within Saturn. Motions within that shell produce the magnetic field.


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