Abstract
Recent discoveries of superconducting phases in the samples of meteorites suggest the possibility of a natural occurrence of superconducting state in space. Superconductors are known to exhibit interesting behaviours when subjected to external magnetic fields, such as levitation. Similar force may act on a superconducting bit in space. The goal of this paper is to quantify this force and assess its effects. Several scenarios in which a superconducting bit can be produced and interact with a magnetic field in space are suggested. The force acting on a superconductor in different conditions is calculated with numerical simulations. The dependence on a magnetic flux density, its gradient, and the geometry and the properties of the superconductor are found. The empirical formulas are derived and used to calculate a magnetic force. The resultant force is extremely weak in all analysed scenarios. It is found that its strength decreases rapidly with the distance from the source of the magnetic flux. Its effect on trajectory of the superconductor is almost negligible. Some possibilities of increasing its strength and the effects are considered.
Highlights
Occurring superconducting phases were recently found by Wampler et al [1] in the samples from two meteorites—iron meteorite Mundrabilla and ureilite GRA 95205 using magnetic field modulated microwave spectroscopy [2]
A magnetic flux generation is connected with a heat emission
It causes an equilibrium temperature in the vicinity of the magnetic flux source to be above a critical temperature of the superconducting materials, which may be produced and ejected to space by natural processes
Summary
Occurring superconducting phases were recently found by Wampler et al [1] in the samples from two meteorites—iron meteorite Mundrabilla and ureilite GRA 95205 using magnetic field modulated microwave spectroscopy [2]. Some other hints were observed earlier by Guenon et al [3] This discovery prompts to analyse the possible effect of superconductivity on the behaviour of celestial bodies and quantify the strength of a magnetic force acting on possible superconducting bodies in space. Typical temperatures of grains in space were estimated as 5–15 K by Greenberg [11] This is in line with values of 8–20 K expected in cold dark clouds by Bergin and Tafalla [12]. These temperatures are higher than Tc of most of the mentioned superconducting materials, rendering the chances of them exhibiting superconductivity in natural conditions slim. Doped C60 was observed to be superconducting at 40K [13], and the presence of similar structures in space was described by Maier and Campbell [14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
