Discovering the Secrets of the Moon's Core: Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Celestial Neighbor

 Recent studies have uncovered fascinating insights into the Moon's inner core, suggesting that it is a solid sphere with a density similar to iron. This discovery helps settle the longstanding debate on whether the Moon's core is solid or molten, allowing for a more precise understanding of the Moon's past and, consequently, the history of our Solar System. Investigating the internal composition of celestial bodies is best accomplished using seismic data, as the way acoustic waves from seismic activity move and reflect off materials inside a planet or moon enables scientists to create detailed interior maps.

Unlocking Lunar Mysteries Through Data

To explore the Moon's core, researchers analyzed data from various space missions and lunar laser experiments. These studies took into account factors such as the Moon's deformation caused by its gravitational interaction with Earth, its varying distance from our planet, and its density. The findings revealed several intriguing aspects. For instance, the models that most accurately matched known information about the Moon depicted an active inversion process deep within its mantle. This suggests that denser materials inside the Moon descend toward the center, while less dense substances rise upwards. This mechanism has long been proposed as an explanation for the presence of specific elements in the Moon's volcanic regions.

A Core Resembling Earth's

The research also revealed that the Moon's core closely resembles Earth's composition, consisting of a fluid outer layer and a solid inner core. According to the scientists' model, the outer core has a radius of approximately 362 kilometers, while the inner core has a radius of about 258 kilometers - roughly 15% of the Moon's entire radius. The inner core's density is estimated to be around 7,822 kilograms per cubic meter, strikingly similar to iron's density. 

It is known that the Moon once had a potent magnetic field that began to wane around 3.2 billion years ago. This magnetic field is generated by motion and convection within the core, making the composition of the lunar core crucial to understanding the disappearance of the magnetic field.

_Image credit: NASA_

In conclusion, the groundbreaking discovery of the Moon's inner core being a solid sphere with an iron-like density offers vital information for understanding the Moon's history and the Solar System as a whole. As scientists continue to explore the intricacies of our celestial neighbor, we can expect to uncover even more fascinating aspects of the Moon and its impact on Earth.

Sources: Nature, sciencealert