Abstract
The loss of gravitational energy on core formation is calculated for Venus, Mars, and Mercury. The energy is 1.02×1038 ergs, 1.10×1036 ergs, and 1.34×1036 ergs for Venus, Mars, and Mercury, respectively. This is equivalent to an average rise of temperature of 1600°, 130°, and 310° for Venus, Mars, and Mercury, respectively.
The results show that the energy released by the formation of iron core of Venus may play an important role in the thermal structure.
