Do you know about Moon’s composition? Recent scientific investigations have overturned long-held beliefs about the composition of the moon, dispelling the whimsical notion that it is made of green cheese.
A study published in the prestigious journal Nature has provided compelling evidence indicating that the moon’s inner core is solid, resembling the density of iron.
Moon’s composition revealed:
Led by astronomer Arthur Briaud of the French National Centre for Scientific Research, the research team’s findings highlight striking similarities between the moon’s inner core and that of Earth.
They discovered that the moon’s core consists of a solid inner ball surrounded by an outer fluid layer, with a density of approximately 7,822 kilograms per cubic meter—similar to that of iron.
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“Our results question the evolution of the Moon magnetic field thanks to its demonstration of the existence of the inner core and support a global mantle overturn scenario that brings substantial insights on the timeline of the lunar bombardment in the first billion years of the Solar System.”
Insights into Lunar Magnetic Field and Geological History:
This groundbreaking revelation holds significant implications for understanding the moon’s magnetic field.
Researchers observed that the moon’s magnetic field began to decline approximately 3.2 billion years ago, shortly after its formation.
The behavior of the core, specifically its motion and convection, plays a pivotal role in generating and sustaining this magnetic field.
Additionally, the research proposes a mantle overturn scenario within the moon, where denser materials sink towards the core while lighter materials rise.
This phenomenon offers crucial insights into the lunar bombardment that occurred during the early stages of the Solar System’s formation.
Future Prospects: Seismic Verification and Lunar Exploration:
With plans for human missions to the moon on the horizon, these findings serve as a cornerstone for future exploration.
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Scientists anticipate collecting seismic data during upcoming missions, which will provide further confirmation and enhance our understanding of the moon’s internal structure and geological evolution.
