2023-10-29 08:30:02
New findings solve some problems
Viewed from Insight, the meteorite struck on the opposite side of the planet. The marsquakes studied so far have been much closer to the spacecraft. The further distance of the impact allowed the research groups to detect seismic energy propagating through the entire Martian core – an opportune time for astronomer Henri Samuel. his hypothesis regarding a molten rock layerwhich surrounds the Martian core.
The structure of Mars including its core according to Henri Samuel et. al. (credits: H. Samuel, M. Drilleau, A. Rivoldini, et al.). [1/1]
The way the seismic energy crossed the planet shows a new boundary between the liquid Martian core and the solid rocky ground. The actual core is buried under a layer of molten rock, explains Samuel. This core is said to have a radius of 1,650 km.
This in turn answers some questions that arise with a much larger Martian core. Because: If the Martian core is smaller, it does not have to contain large amounts of light elements. This is consistent with laboratory and theoretical estimates.
A second liquid layer inside the planet can also explain the deformations caused by the gravity of its moon Phobos.
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