Following years of speculation and investigation, a May 2023 study has shed light on what lies beneath the surface of the Moon, debunking the age-old myth of the lunar body being comprised of green cheese.
It appears that the central core of the Moon is a solid sphere with a composition roughly equivalent to iron. This new finding is expected to influence the prevailing perspectives on whether the inner heart of the Moon is solid or molten. The outcomes of this research will likely enrich our comprehension of both the Moon’s and the Solar System’s formation stories.
A team headed by astronomer Arthur Briaud from the French National Centre for Scientific Research in France conveyed in their article that their findings bear implications for learning about the Moon’s magnetic field evolution and its dynamic geological past.
Seismic data is crucial for piecing together the interior structure of celestial bodies within our Solar System. This information assists scientists in constructing internal maps by analyzing how earthquake-generated waves travel and bounce within the object. Although the Apollo missions provided seismic data, its low resolution limited our ability to ascertain the state of the Moon’s inner core.
Briaud and his team amalgamated data from space missions and lunar laser ranging experiments to create a multifaceted profile of the Moon that considers factors like its gravitational interaction with Earth and its rotational characteristics.
From their analysis, it became clear that the inner workings of the Moon include active mantle overturns, supporting a theory that has long been used to explain the variation of elements in lunar volcanic areas. These discoveries complement previous research and strongly align with the Earth’s core structure, comprising a solid inner core surrounded by a fluid layer.
The team estimated the radius of the outer core at around 362 kilometers (225 miles) and that of the solid inner core to be around 258 kilometers (160 miles), representing about 15 percent of the Moon’s total radius. The density of the inner core was determined to be around 7,822 kilograms per cubic meter, not far off from the density of iron.
These results reaffirm earlier research led by NASA scientist Renee Weber in 2011, which also pointed to the existence of a solid iron-rich inner core. These findings have implications for understanding the Moon’s geological history, particularly its once-strong magnetic field.
With plans for human return to the Moon on the horizon, we may not be too far from direct seismic verification of this newly acquired knowledge.
This pivotal research has been documented in Nature.
An earlier version of this article first appeared in May 2023.
FAQ Section
What did the study confirm about the Moon’s core?
The study confirmed that the Moon’s core is solid and composed of materials with a density similar to iron.
How is seismic data used to determine the composition of the Moon?
Seismic data, obtained from the waves generated by quakes, helps scientists map the interior of the Moon by observing how these waves travel and reflect off different materials inside it.
Why is the understanding of the Moon’s core important?
Understanding the Moon’s core is essential for comprehending its magnetic field evolution, geological history, and the dynamics of the early Solar System.
How does the Moon’s core compare to Earth’s core?
The Moon’s core is similar to Earth’s core, having a solid inner core surrounded by a fluid outer layer.
Will this discovery aid future lunar exploration?
Yes, with planned missions to return to the Moon, this discovery might soon be seismically verified, providing valuable information for future exploration.
Conclusion
The culmination of this comprehensive research presents an advance in our knowledge about the Moon’s internal structure, debunking myths and confirming a solid iron-like core. These insights open up new avenues for understanding lunar geology and the early dynamism within our Solar System. As we prepare for an imminent return to lunar exploration, these findings underscore the importance of continuous scientific inquiry and the possibilities for groundbreaking discoveries that lie just beneath the surface, whether here on Earth or on our closest celestial neighbor, the Moon.