A major scientific breakthrough has settled a decades-old debate about the moon’s interior. Researchers have confirmed that the moon has a solid inner core, similar to Earth’s, composed of iron with a density of about 7,822 kg/m³.
This discovery not only changes how we understand the moon’s structure but also provides new insights into the history of our solar system.
A Core Mystery Finally Solved
For years, scientists have debated whether the moon’s core was fully molten or partially solid. Previous studies offered conflicting results, largely due to the limitations of Apollo-era seismic data. While researchers knew the moon had a fluid outer core, the question of whether a solid core existed remained unanswered.
A team led by Arthur Briaud from the French National Centre for Scientific Research tackled this mystery using a new approach. They combined data from space missions, lunar laser-ranging experiments, and gravitational analyses to build an updated model of the moon’s interior. Their findings confirmed that the moon’s core structure mirrors Earth’s, with a solid inner core surrounded by a molten outer layer.
The Moon’s Core Is Strikingly Similar To Earth’s
The study estimates that the moon’s inner core has a radius of 258 kilometers (160 miles), making up about 15% of the moon’s total radius. It is surrounded by a fluid outer core that extends to 362 kilometers (225 miles). This layered structure closely resembles the Earth’s inner and outer core.
Interestingly, this new research reinforces findings from a 2011 NASA study that also suggested the presence of a solid core, although with slightly different measurements. However, Briaud’s team has now provided stronger evidence, using more advanced computer modeling and updated observational data.
A Clue To The Moon’s Lost Magnetic Field
One of the most fascinating implications of this discovery is how it relates to the moon’s ancient magnetic field. Scientists believe the moon once had a strong magnetic field, similar to Earth’s, but it started to decline about 3.2 billion years ago.
A planet’s magnetic field is generated by movement within its core, where molten metal flows and creates an electric current. Understanding the composition and behavior of the moon’s inner layers helps explain how and why its magnetic activity faded over time.
The study also supports the theory of “mantle overturn”, a process where denser materials sink toward the core while lighter elements rise toward the surface. This could explain why certain elements are found in the moon’s volcanic regions, adding another piece to the puzzle of lunar evolution.
What’s Next For Lunar Research And Exploration?
NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon, presents a valuable opportunity to test these findings with more advanced seismometers.
Future missions could provide even more detailed measurements of the moon’s internal structure, helping refine our understanding of its formation and geological history. With every new discovery, scientists uncover more about the moon’s complexity and evolution.
This is all speculation. How can they prove that? Most of these so called new discoveries are horse hockey till they can be proven. I think most if not all of the astrologist are WRONG. They can’t verify any of their so-called new discoveries. Let’s take one thing. Black Holes. Astronomers determined that black holes are so powerful that light can’t escape. Then they say that they found one 30 times the size of our sun. If that was remotely true we would be able to observe it ourselves. Something that catastrophic would be visible almost with the naked eye. There hasn’t even been one unquestionably observed with these telescopes they’ve sent in space. Theses people have a lifetime job where they can’t be proven wrong. When they’ve been challenged with their findings they change the equation to fit their findings. I reject their BS if anyone declares to have discovered something new they must have proof these dreamers have no tangible evidence to prove anything they say. 👎