Scientists Detect Unexpected Movement From Inside the Moon

Researchers from both NASA and the University of Arizona have found something moving inside the moon. These shifts in movement indicate to scientists that what they previously thought they knew about the internal makeup of the moon’s core is not entirely accurate.

The Moon’s Layers

Similar to Earth, the moon is made up of layers. There are three main layers: the rocky mantle that makes up most of the volume, surrounded by a crust of lighter rocks, a liquid outer core, and then a solid inner core (or so we thought). Recent discovery tells us the moon’s composition may actually be very different.

The Moon’s Core

The Earth’s core makes up about a third of our planet, while the moon’s core is much smaller in comparison. It makes up only about 1-2% of the moon’s mass. The mantle makes up a much greater portion of the moon.

The Discovery of Moon Goo

A recent study published by researchers from NASA and the University of Arizona found what can only be described as “mon goo”, a residue that lies between the mantle and metal core of the moon. And the good seems to be moving.

Moving Like the Ocean Tides

The layer of goo is rising and falling, similar to that of the ocean tides here on Earth. Scientists infer that this movement is likely a consequence of the gravitational push and pull of the Sun and Earth.

Subtle Movements

The movement of the goo is regular and stable, ebbing and flowing like the tides. This layer between the mantle and core gives weight to the longstanding theory that, in the same way the Moon influences Earth’s tides, the Earth’s gravitational pull influences the Moon as well. 

What is the Moon Goo Made Of?

One theory is that the mysterious moon goo is made up of ilmenite, which is a strong and lightweight metal that is rich in titanium. This material is fairly common in lunar rocks.

More Questions

The existence of a soft layer like this moon goo means that something is keeping it hot enough to maintain its liquid, partially-melted form. So, the natural question is, “How is this soft layer being maintained?”

What Does This Mean?

Authors of the study explained, “The existence of this zone has profound implications for the moon’s thermal state and evolution”. In other words, it will take much more research and study to understand just how this layer exists.

A New World in Lunar Geology

The discovery of this movement and the impact that the sun and Earth’s gravitational pull have on the moon opens up a new wave of research and interest in lunar geology.