clipped from: space.newscientist.com   

Lab study indicates Mars has a molten core


The long-dead magnetic field of Mars could eventually come back to life if the results of a new experiment are correct. The study, which suggests that Mars' core is mostly or completely liquid, may also help scientists unravel the mystery of why the planet’s magnetic field shut off billions of years ago.


A sphere made of six metal wedges was used to compress a mixture of iron, nickel, and sulphur to the pressures prevalent in Mars' core (Image: Andrew Stewart et al/Science)