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Published online 15 April 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2008.752

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Forecast for the heart of Mercury

Falling iron 'snow' may drive the planet's magnetic field.

A storm of falling iron particles may be circulating liquid in Mercury’s core, new research suggests. The results may help explain the origin of the planet's magnetic field, which is much weaker than scientists can explain.

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