What is at the Center of the Moon?



A team of planetary scientists has found new evidence that suggests the moon's inner core is solid, like Earth's. The study, published in the journal Nature, was led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.

The researchers used data from several space missions and from several lunar-based ranging experiments to study the moon's core. They found that the inner core has a radius of approximately 258 kilometers and a density of approximately 7,822 kilograms per cubic meter. This is consistent with the findings of previous studies, which suggested that the inner core is solid.

The researchers also found that the outer core is a fluid layer covering the inner core with a radius of 362 kilometers. This is also consistent with previous findings.

The new study provides further evidence that the moon's core is similar to Earth's. This suggests that the moon may have formed in a similar way to Earth, from a cloud of dust and gas that collapsed under its own gravity.

The study's findings could help scientists to better understand the moon's formation and evolution. They could also help scientists to understand the formation and evolution of other planets and moons in the solar system.

What does this mean for the future of space exploration?

The new findings could have implications for the future of space exploration. For example, the knowledge that the moon has a solid inner core could make it easier to build bases on the moon. This is because a solid inner core would provide a stable foundation for a base.

The new findings could also help scientists to better understand the moon's gravity. This could be useful for planning future missions to the moon, such as missions to send humans back to the moon.

Overall, the new findings are a significant step forward in our understanding of the moon. They could have implications for the future of space exploration, and they could help us to better understand the formation and evolution of the moon and other planets and moons in the solar system.

For more information please see: phys.org/news/2023-05-evidence-moon-core-solid-earth.html

©️ Rocky Mountain Dispatch 2023

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