2023-05-25 13:25:51
Does the moon have a solid or semi-liquid core inside? A new study reveals the moon’s internal structure.
Nice – As our nearest neighbor in space, the moon has always been a fascinating research object for astronomers and astronauts. Despite the fact that man has already visited the moon, some of its mysteries remain unsolved to this day. A question that is often discussed in research is what the interior of the moon is actually like. In particular, it is regarding whether the moon has a semi-molten core or whether there is also a solid core inside.
Researchers use methods to study the interior of the moon that are also used to study the interior of the earth. One of these methods is the evaluation of seismic waves. As part of the manned “Apollo” missions by the US space agency Nasa, a seismometer was also placed on the moon to provide data on the nature of the moon’s interior. This data suggests that the moon’s core may be partially liquid. However, the data are not precise enough to draw firm conclusions regarding the nature of the lunar core.
What is inside the moon? Study provides insight
In a recently published study in the journal Nature a research team led by astronomer Arthur Briaud from the Université Côte d’Azur used data from space missions and geophysical measurements to learn more regarding the interior of the moon. The research group has developed various computer models of the lunar core to find out which scenario best fits the data used. “Our results (…) prove the existence of an inner core,” writes the research group in their study.
The results show that the moon not only has a solid inner core, but also has a structure similar to that of Earth. The outer layer of the moon’s interior is semi-liquid and has a radius of regarding 362 kilometers. Within this layer is the solid inner core, which has a radius of regarding 258 kilometers and a density of regarding 7822 kilograms per cubic meter – roughly the same density as iron. The outer, semi-liquid core, on the other hand, has a lower density of around 5025 kilograms per cubic meter.
New study reveals moon’s inner structure
These new findings give researchers a better understanding of the moon’s internal structure and may also help expand knowledge of other celestial bodies in the universe. “The existence of a solid inner core is crucial for understanding the mechanism that leads to the appearance or not of a planetary magnetic field,” the study states.
From examining lunar rocks, researchers already know that the moon had a strong magnetic field regarding four billion years ago that disappeared regarding 3.2 billion years ago. In order to explain the formation of this magnetic field, researchers are investigating the movements in the core of the celestial body. With the latest knowledge regarding the nature of the moon’s core, they can find out in the future why the moon’s magnetic field has disappeared.
Machine assistance was used for this editorial-written article. The article was carefully checked by editor Tanja Banner before publication
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