The Centers of Planets
By Sandro Scandolo, Raymond Jeanloz
In laboratories and computers, shocked and squeezed matter turns metallic, coughs up diamonds and reveals Earth's white-hot center
This Article From Issue
November-December 2003
Volume 91, Number 6
Page 516
DOI: 10.1511/2003.38.516
Those who enjoy following planets in the night sky got a special treat this summer as Mars passed nearer to Earth than it had come in 60,000 years. Even at close range, though, the Red Planet retained an air of quiet mystery. All the planets have it: In contrast to the twinkling stars around them or the lights of the noisy city, the planets appear peaceful and immobile.
Cover restoration by Phil Normand / Normand Design & Restoration
American Scientist Comments and Discussion
To discuss our articles or comment on them, please share them and tag American Scientist on social media platforms. Here are links to our profiles on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
If we re-share your post, we will moderate comments/discussion following our comments policy.