Submitted by magenta_placenta t3_yymoqt in space
StrangeTangerine1525 t1_iwzvipv wrote
Reply to comment by ClarkFable in Mars was once covered by 300-meter deep oceans, study shows by magenta_placenta
A magnetic field isn't the primary determination for an atmosphere, Earth is the only terrestrial object with an atmosphere that has a magnetic field. Venus is roughly the same size and has an atmosphere 2 orders of magnitude larger, and lacks any kind of intrinsic magnetosphere. Planetary mass matters much more in regards to atmosphere retention, as well as temperature and atmospheric composition. Titan is another good example, were it lacks both a magnetic field and mass, but the moon is so cold that it can maintain a relatively dense atmosphere.
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