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NASA Unveils Thermal Asymmetry in Moon’s Mantle Through Detailed Gravity Mapping

New findings reveal the Moon’s nearside mantle is significantly hotter than its farside, reshaping understanding of lunar geology and aiding future exploration.

The moon's near side, at left, and far side are seen in a combination of undated images from observations made by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY
An undated artist's concept shows the moon's hot interior and volcanism about 2 to 3 billion years ago. It is thought that volcanic activity on the lunar near side (the side facing Earth) helped create a landscape dominated by vast plains called mare, which are formed by molten rock that cooled and solidified. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY
An artist's cross-section of the moon.

Overview

  • NASA researchers confirmed a 180–360°F thermal difference between the Moon's nearside and farside mantles, with the nearside being warmer and more geologically active.
  • The findings stem from data collected by NASA's GRAIL mission, which used tidal tomography to analyze the Moon's gravity and internal structure.
  • The thermal asymmetry aligns with surface differences, explaining the nearside's vast mare plains and the rugged terrain of the farside.
  • The study produced the most detailed lunar gravity map to date, which will be critical for developing lunar navigation and positioning systems for future missions.
  • Radioactive elements like thorium and titanium in the nearside mantle are believed to sustain the observed temperature disparity, offering insights into the Moon’s volcanic history.