2023-10-08 09:32:42
Unlike Earth (and Venus), the Moon lacks tectonic activity and its internal structure is therefore well preserved since its formation. This gives scientists the opportunity to understand how the interiors of planets form. Now that we know what’s inside the Moon, scientists have more clues regarding the origin of the Moon and our planet.
Why are we exploring the moon?
By studying the Moon, scientists can piece together the story of Earth’s origin and the formation of the solar system. Both the Moon and Earth were formed during the creation of our solar system, approximately 4.6 billion years ago.
Unlike Earth, whose surface is constantly recycled due to plate tectonics, the surface of our Moon has remained relatively unchanged since that time. Making it a time capsule that preserves the history of the origin of the Earth.
The results of an in-depth investigation into the internal structure of the Moon have revealed what this star is hiding. Researchers hope that these new discoveries contribute to a better understanding of the history of the Moon, and by extension, that of the Earth.
Research carried out using seismic data
The investigations were carried out by a team of researchers led by astronomer Arthur Briaud from the National Center for Scientific Research (France). They probed the interior composition of the Moon using seismic data.
Researchers explain that the acoustic waves generated by earthquakes vary depending on the materials present inside a planet or moon. This gives some indication of the likely nature of these materials.
These data thus make it possible to map the interior of the star in detail. The team collected data from various space missions and lunar laser ranging experiments to build a profile of the Moon’s characteristics.
The interior of the Moon is iron
The findings reveal similarities between the composition of the Earth’s core and that of the Moon. According to the researchers, it has a fluid outer layer and a solid inner core.
#Astronomers led by #ArthurBriaud of the French National Center for #ScientificResearch conducted a detailed analysis and modeling of the #Moon‘s inner core pic.twitter.com/czngODvUJ9
— F (@FutureeTalk) October 7, 2023
The outer core has a radius of approximately 362 kilometers and the inner core has a radius of approximately 258 kilometers. This represents regarding 15% of the Moon’s total radius, the researchers explain.
The team also analyzed the density of the Moon’s inner core, estimated at 7,822 kg/m³. This is very close to the density of iron. These results have interesting implications for the evolution of the Moon, and intrinsically, that of the Earth.
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#Scientists #whats #hidden #Moon
