Recent research conducted by a team led by astronomer Arthur Briaud of the French National Centre for Scientific Research has brought forth interesting revelations about the Moon’s inner core composition. Contrary to the age-old belief that the Moon is made of green cheese, the study found that the inner core of the Moon is actually a solid ball with a density similar to that of iron. This discovery has significant implications for understanding the history of the Moon and the Solar System as a whole.
Probing the interior composition of celestial bodies in the Solar System is best achieved through the analysis of seismic data. By studying the way acoustic waves generated by seismic activity move through and reflect from material inside a planet or moon, scientists can create a detailed map of the object’s interior. While lunar seismic data collected during the Apollo mission provided some insights, the resolution was too low to definitively determine the state of the Moon’s inner core. However, by combining data from multiple space missions and lunar laser ranging experiments, researchers were able to compile a comprehensive profile of various lunar characteristics.
Through extensive modeling, the team led by Briaud discovered some fascinating details about the Moon’s core. The models that closely matched observational data indicated an active overturn process deep within the lunar mantle, where denser material falls towards the center while less dense material rises upwards. This activity helps explain the presence of certain elements in volcanic regions of the Moon, adding another piece to the puzzle of lunar evolution. The research also confirmed the presence of an Earth-like core structure in the Moon, with an outer fluid layer and a solid inner core. The outer core was estimated to have a radius of about 362 kilometers, while the inner core had a radius of about 258 kilometers, representing approximately 15 percent of the Moon’s entire radius.
The discovery of a solid inner core with a density similar to iron has significant implications for understanding the Moon’s evolution. The presence of an Earth-like core structure provides valuable insights into the Moon’s magnetic field history and its eventual decline. This new information could also impact future lunar exploration efforts, with the potential for seismic verification of these findings to further enhance our understanding of the Moon’s composition and history.
The recent research findings regarding the Moon’s inner core composition have shed new light on our understanding of the lunar landscape. By debunking the myth of the Moon being made of green cheese and revealing it as a solid ball with similarities to Earth’s core, scientists have made significant strides in unraveling the mysteries of our celestial neighbor. The implications of these findings extend beyond scientific curiosity, offering valuable insights into the broader history of the Solar System and paving the way for future exploration and discovery on the Moon.