Moons Inner Secrets Unveiled: New Research Reveals Layered Structure and Dense Iron Core
For decades, scientists have been debating the composition of the Moon's dusty surface, but now, new research has provided the most detailed evidence yet of what lies beneath. Using data from lunar laser-ranging experiments and various space missions, a team of researchers has built a detailed model of the Moon's internal makeup.
The findings reveal a layered structure with a molten outer core surrounding a solid inner core. This inner core appears to be as dense as iron, suggesting that the Moon's center is a metallic ball rather than a liquid blob or fully solid sphere. This discovery helps resolve a long-standing scientific puzzle and supports the idea that the Moon once had a dynamic interior capable of generating a magnetic field.
The early magnetic field, which vanished around 3.2 billion years ago, may have been created by motion in the Moon's molten layers. The new findings also lend weight to the theory of "mantle overturn," where denser material inside the Moon sinks while lighter material rises. This could explain why some elements appear in volcanic regions on the surface.
These results validate earlier estimates made in 2011, offering a rare moment of scientific confirmation across independent studies. Both studies found similar core dimensions and density, pointing to a shared structure between Earth and its satellite. Knowing what's inside the Moon is vital for understanding how it formed, evolved, and how it might behave in the future.
With possible human missions planned to the Moon in the coming years, seismic instruments and advanced sensors could soon provide even more detailed measurements to support these findings. This new understanding of the Moon's internal structure will be crucial for future space exploration and human missions to the Moon. As we continue to explore the cosmos, this knowledge will help us better understand our nearest celestial neighbor and its potential for future exploration.
