I have a science question. The Earth, as old as it is, is still quite hot in the middle. From what I understand, the crust is roughly 2-10 miles thick and the mantle is hundreds of miles thick before we get to the core. Volcanic activity shows us a hint of how hot be the innards. My question is this: Why does it take a planet so long to cool off? Anything baked in a ceramic kiln may glow red for a minute, yet may be cool in a day. If the earth is as old as they say, why is is still so darned hot on the inside?
Does anyone have an approximation of when the core will be cool to the touch? (Put in Geology?)
This message has been edited by Phatboy, 01-26-2005 05:06 AM