Galileo Studies Jupiter's Moon Io

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) - Data from a recent sweep by the Galileo spacecraft suggest Io's magnetic field may be driven by Jupiter's powerful field, and that at best the moon generates only weak magnetism on its own.

The data will enable scientists to narrow the possible models for the moon's interior, which - like the Earth - apparently has a molten iron core. If Io lacks its own magnetic field, that would suggest the core lacks the vigorous convective motion that is believed to generate the Earth's field, NASA scientists said.

The NASA spacecraft took magnetic measurements as it flew over Io's north pole on Aug. 6. Another flyby is planned for Oct. 16.

Galileo, launched in 1989 and orbiting Jupiter since 1995, has been limping along as it nears the end of its tour of Jupiter and its moons. Intense radiation from Jupiter has caused intermittent electronics problems.

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