Exciting Discoveries About Mars' Core

In a groundbreaking revelation, scientists announced Wednesday that Mars might possess a solid metallic core, mirroring the structure of Earth's core. This insight stems from seismic data collected by NASA's InSight lander, which monitored over 1,300 marsquakes before its mission concluded in 2022.

Intriguing Insights from Seismic Data

The research, led by a Chinese team, has dismantled previous theories that suggested a liquid core at the center of the red planet. The new findings confirm that Mars has a small but solid inner core, surrounded by a molten outer core – reminiscent of our own planet's interior.

What Lies Beneath Mars?

According to the scientists, Mars' inner core extends about 380 miles (613 kilometers) from the planet's center, likely composed of iron and nickel similar to Earth's core. It's fascinating to note that this Martian core may even be enriched with lighter elements, possibly including oxygen.

A Vast Liquid Outer Core

The liquid outer core of Mars is significantly larger, reaching depths between 380 miles (613 kilometers) and 1,100 miles (1,800 kilometers) from the core’s center. Prior to the crystallization of the inner core, it is believed that the core started as entirely liquid, although its current state, including the presence of solid droplets, remains unclear.

Continuing the Quest for Knowledge

Lead investigator Daoyuan Sun emphasizes the importance of further studies to unlock the mysteries of Mars' inner and outer cores. While Mars' inner core comprises about one-fifth of its radius—similar to Earth—scientists caution against assuming this similarity is merely coincidental.

Mars: A Planet with Unanswered Questions

The findings have ignited excitement in the scientific community, but experts, including Nicholas Schmerr from the University of Maryland, acknowledge that many questions remain. With InSight no longer operational, new marsquake data is crucial for truly understanding Mars’ subterranean secrets.

What Does It Mean for Mars' Magnetic Field?

The lack of a magnetic field on Mars could be linked to the slow crystallization process of its inner core. Future studies are vital not only to decipher the core's formation but also to understand what this means for the history of the Martian magnetic field.