Magnetic Fields of the Planets

[An excerpt:  The Age of the Universe by Dr. Jason Lisle]

Magnetic Fields of the Planets

Many of the planets of the solar system also have strong dipole magnetic fields. Jupiter’s magnetic field, for example, is extremely powerful. The magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune are also quite strong. If these planets were really billions of years old (as secular astronomers believe), their magnetic fields should be extremely weak by now. Yet, they are not. A reasonable explanation for this is that these planets are only a few thousand years old, as the Bible teaches.

The suggestion that the solar system is only thousands of years old is, of course, an intolerable position for those who believe in particles-to-people evolution. The vast ages are required for their worldview, and so must be protected at all costs. Therefore, the apparent youth of the universe must be explained away by the addition of auxiliary hypotheses. For example, secular astronomers have proposed that planetary magnetic fields can be “recharged” over time. Specifically, they invoke the idea of a “magnetic dynamo” powering the magnetic fields of planets. The basic idea is that motion within the planets can regenerate the magnetic fields so that the total field strength will not decay. However, the planets do not fit the conditions necessary to drive such a dynamo. The simplest explanation is that the solar system is much younger than billions of years.

Magnetic Fields Confirm Recent Creation

Dr. Russ Humphreys, (a Ph.D. physicist and biblical creationist) has produced a model of planetary magnetic fields which can explain their present strengths in terms of biblical creation. In essence, the model estimates the initial strength of each magnetic field at the moment of its creation, then the model computes their present strengths based on 6,000 years of decay from electrical resistance. Impressively, this biblically based model is able to account for the present measured magnetic fields of all the known planets and even many of the moons as well.

Of course, almost any model can be “adjusted” to fit existing data, so it is perhaps even more impressive that Dr. Humphreys’ model successfully predicted the present magnetic field strengths of the planets Uranus and Neptune before they were measured by the Voyager spacecraft. Specific, successful predictions are the mark of a good scientific model. Dr. Humphreys also predicted that Mars would have remanent (permanent) magnetism, which has now been confirmed. Remanent magnetism occurs in rocks which cooled and solidified in the presence of an external magnetic field. Such remanent magnetism is also found on the moon. This confirms that both the moon and Mars once had strong magnetic fields as expected in the Humphreys model. Planetary magnetic fields strongly support the biblical age of the solar system.

Source: http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/tba/age-of-the-universe-2

Footnotes

10.D.R. Humphreys, “The Creation of Planetary Magnetic Fields,” Creation Research Society Quarterly 21 (3) (December 1984). Back
11.However, Pluto’s magnetic field has not yet been measured. According to Dr. Humphreys’ model, Pluto should not have an appreciable magnetic field. Back
12.www.creationresearch.org/creation_matters/pdf/1999/cm0403.pdf, p. 8.

The successful predictions by Dr. Humphreys were based on evidence.  Isn't that the way science is supposed to work?  The Big Bang theory is anti-God.  Is it also anti-knowledge?

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  "Physicists think it would take billions of years for that energy to run down....[Y]our guy is stuffed with prunes..."

Barbo, I'm supposed to be nice to you.  I'm supposed to discuss things--compare, contrast--lest I find myself in the ban bin all over again. :shocked: 

Do you think we know all that there is to know know about the outer planets?  You naturalists love time curing all things to maintain your worldview.  Then, when we throw you a "time" bone, you do not like the results. You cannot have it both ways.

[People to particles]

Are you aware of the necessity for survival value?  Maybe we should start a thread about that.

"We do however have evidence in the geologic record of a magnetic shift that occurred many years ago where earths field reversed."

It may happen again.  Do you think God created the outer planets different intentionally? 

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  "...[P]ost your numbers and show us why physics is wrong."

"[S]how us why physics is wrong."

There is nothing wrong with the science.  Naturalists and creationists agree that Jupiter has a strong magnetic field.  Should it if the universe is "billions of years" old?  

"There are many honest creationists."

That's all I'm asking you to acknowledge.  And, there are many fine naturalists.  I'm not going to believe a creationist because he "says so" and neither should you.  Each looks at the evidence but they come up with different conclusions.  Based on the evidence, which conclusion is more logical?  What hoops must scientists jump through to believe a thing?  I submit the naturalist must jump through more.  Why don't we start keeping score on assumptions made to maintain a worldview?  

Response to comment [from a Christian]:  "Here's the other side of the argument: http://www.infidels.org/library/mode...tic_field.html"

We have to study both sides of the argument.  I wonder if naturalists (laymen) are willing to do the same. 

Response to comment [from a Catholic]:  "...[S]how the numbers. You don't know whether that assertion [Jupiter should not have a strong magnetic field] is right or wrong, do you?"

Here are some specifics on that. http://www.creationresearch.org/crsq/articles/21/21_3/21_3.html  Why do you think Dr. Russell Humphrey's predictions were more accurate?

"As you learned, the magnetic field of Jupiter is consistent with billions of years and the laws of physics."

Dr. Humphreys comes to a different conclusion:  "In summary, the magnetism of the outer planets falls within the bounds of our creationist theory." The Creation of Planetary Magnetic Fields, Humphreys.
http://www.creationresearch.org/crsq/articles/21/21_3/21_3.html

The Outer Planets
Jupiter is the largest and most massive object orbiting the Sun. The Pioneer and Voyager missions to this awesome planet showed that it also has an intense magnetic field. Its magnetic moment is second only to the Sun's:41
M = 1.55 x 1027 J/T (data).
(23)
If we use our arbitrary value of k = 0.25 in equation (1) to calculate Jupiter's magnetic moment at creation, we get a value less than this. The minimum alignment fraction which will give the present field is 0.87. But since the field must have decayed at least somewhat since creation, the fraction must have been greater. If we use the maximum alignment fraction, k = 1.0, then we get a maximum value for Jupiter's magnetic moment at creation:
Mc < 1.79 x 1027 J/T (theory).
(24)
So it looks as if God pulled out nearly all the organ stops when He orchestrated Jupiter. Not only did He create a larger mass of water, but He lined up more than 90 percent of the water's hydrogen nuclei. These two values imply that Jupiter's decay time is greater than 41000 years.
We have no direct measurements on Jupiter's core radius R yet. But we can use Jupiter's average surface radius Rs, 70000 km, to express the average core conductivity of equation (6) as a function of R/Rs:
σ = (π2T/µo Rs2)(Rs/R)2.
(25)
Using the above decay time in (25) gives us a minimum value for Jupiter's core conductivity:
σ > (Rs/R)2(2100 mhos/meter).
(26)
From Jupiter's low density and equatorial bulge, planetologists estimate that it is mostly hydrogen and some helium with a rocklike inner core. The hydrogen is probably in a liquid state (possibly metallic also) below about 0.8 Jovian radii from the center.42 Using this in equation (26) shows that the average core conductivity is greater than 3000 mhos/meter. This value is some what lower than theoretical estimates of the conductivity of liquid metallic hydrogen. But it is consistent with the estimated conductivity of liquid molecular hydrogen.  At present there are not enough experimental data on the conductivity of hydrogen at high pressures and temperatures to shed further light."
The Creation of Planetary Magnetic Fields , Humphreys.

Where is he wrong?   

"It appears he has assumed that there was only so much thermal energy in Jupiter and that there is no source of renewal."

He admits that there is not enough data to shed further light.  Nevertheless Spike Psarris, author of Jupiter, King of the planets and testament to our Creator says:  "Truly, Jupiter’s size, beauty, and grandeur are a wonderful testament to our Creator—the God of the Bible, who not only made the stars and planets (for our benefit—Genesis 1:14–19), but also us!"
http://creation.com/jupiter-king-of-the-planets-and-testament-to-our-creator Jupiter, King of the planets and testament to our Creator, Psarris.

Response to comment [from an atheist]:  "We, the naturalists and secularists, have already won: we have all the wealth and all the power. What we say goes. Any who oppose us are summarily curb-stomped.  Enjoy your persecution!"

Oh sure. Sometimes we are persecuted. Sometimes we're just dopes. The report of my death was an exaggeration. When we dicussed epitaphs I did not know I'd be needing my own so quickly. You missed me--say it or I'll start throwing things.

This is what we deal with--evolution is science end of debate. Who limits science--the naturalist who will not allow a supernatural explanation or the creationist who will allow it once in a great while? God is not bound by the rules of nature.

We will win you for the kingdom. Prepare for a white robe.

Magnetic Fields of the Planets