Art: press release

The Moon, our celestial neighbor, has always been shrouded in mystery and fascination. But science, with its relentless curiosity, has brought new revelations to light. And guess what: the Moon isn't made of cheese.

A groundbreaking study has revealed that the Moon's core is solid and has a density similar to iron. This discovery clarifies long-standing debates about the Moon's internal consistency and helps us better understand the history of our Solar System.

Arthur Briaud and his team from the renowned French National Centre for Scientific Research point out that this solid core is vital for understanding the evolution of the lunar magnetic field. Combining seismic data from the Apollo mission and recent observations, they mapped the lunar interior in detail.

The results are surprising. The Moon's core is very similar to Earth's, having a fluid exterior and a solid inner core. This inner core represents about 15% of the Moon's total radius.

And there's more: the nature of this core also gives us clues about the lunar magnetic field, which began to diminish 3.2 billion years ago. The discovery of the solid core helps us understand the origin and disappearance of this magnetic shield.

With new lunar explorations on the horizon, these discoveries prepare us for a deeper understanding of our celestial companion. Stay tuned to the Museum of Tomorrow for more news about this exciting lunar journey.

Original research published in Nature, May 2023.