Unlike Earth (and Venus), the Moon lacks tectonic activity and its internal structure has therefore been well preserved since its formation. This gives scientists the opportunity to understand how the interiors of planets are formed. Now that we know what’s inside the moon, scientists have more clues about the origins of the moon and our planet.
Why do we explore the moon?
By studying the moon, scientists can do this reconstruct the history of the earth’s formation and the formation of the solar system. Both the Moon and the Earth were formed during the formation of our solar system. about 4.6 billion years ago.
Unlike Earth, whose surface is constantly being recycled due to plate tectonics, our moon’s surface has remained relatively unchanged since then. Which makes it one Time capsule that preserves history from the origin of the earth.
The results of an in-depth study of the Moon’s internal structure have revealed what this star hides. The researchers hope that these new findings contribute to a better understanding of the history of the moonand thus also that of the earth.
Research using seismic data
The studies were carried out by a team of researchers led by astronomer Arthur Briaud from the National Center for Scientific Research (France). They have studied the internal composition of the moon using seismic data.
Researchers explain that the acoustic waves produced by earthquakes vary depending on the materials present inside a planet or moon. The gives clues to the likely nature of these materials.
This data makes it possible Map the interior of the star in detail. The team collected data from various space missions and lunar laser ranging experiments to profile the moon’s properties.
The interior of the moon is made of iron
The results show Similarities between the composition of the Earth’s core and that of the Moon. According to the researchers, it has a liquid outer layer and a solid inner core.
#Astronomers lead by #ArthurBriaud the French National Center for #Scientific Research conducted a detailed analysis and modeling of the #MoonThe inner core pic.twitter.com/czngODvUJ9
– F (@FutureeTalk) October 7, 2023
The outer core has a radius of about 362 kilometers and the inner core has a radius of about 258 kilometers. This corresponds to about 15% of the moon’s total radius, the researchers explain.
The team also analyzed the density of the moon’s inner core, estimated at 7,822 kg/m³. This is very close to the density of iron. These results have interesting implications for the evolution of the Moon and, in fact, that of the Earth.