The True Interior of the Moon: What Scientists Have Discovered
What’s Inside the Moon? For decades, scientists debated the Moon's internal structure. Now, thanks to a combination of Apollo mission data and modern measurements, we know that the Moon has: A solid inner core: Primarily composed of iron, with a density of about 7,822 kg/m³. A fluid outer core: With a radius of approximately 362 km. This structure is strikingly similar to Earth's, which also has a solid inner core and a liquid outer core. How Was This Discovery Made? Researchers used seismic data, measurements of the Moon's deformation, and variations in its distance from Earth to create a detailed model of its internal structure. This model not only revealed the core's composition but also an active process in the lunar mantle, where denser materials sink and lighter materials rise—a phenomenon known as convection . Why Does This Matter? Understanding Lunar and Solar System History The discovery sheds light on how the Moon formed and evolved. It’s believed that ...