Introduction – Study reveals a seismic event caused by a meteorite impact has provided crucial information about Mars’ internal composition and structure. – Findings published in two papers in the journal Nature shed new light on the size of Mars’ core and its formation history. 1. Unveiling Mars’ Core and Mantle Composition – Researchers used seismic energy data collected by NASA’s InSight mission to analyze the impact and study the planet’s interior. – Previous observations suggested a larger liquid metal core with substantial amounts of light chemical elements. – Meteorite impact allowed the seismic energy waves to travel through Mars, revealing a molten rock layer enveloping the core. – The molten layer was found to be the previously assumed boundary between the liquid core and solid mantle. 2. Confirmation of a Smaller Martian Core – The revised core size indicates that it is smaller than previously estimated, with a radius of only 1,650 kilometers. – This finding aligns better with laboratory and theoretical estimates, suggesting a lower concentration of light elements within the core. – Resolving the puzzle of the Martian core’s composition provides important insights into the planet’s formation and evolution. 3. Significance of the Liquid-Liquid Layering – The presence of a molten-rock layer adjacent to the molten iron core is a unique characteristic not observed on Earth. – The second paper published in Nature confirms the existence of a molten-rock layer, estimating the core’s radius at 1,675 kilometers. – This liquid-liquid layering is speculated to be a remnant of a previous magma ocean that once covered Mars. 4. Implications of the Revised Core Structure – Understanding the internal structure of Mars helps explain its response to gravitational forces exerted by its moon, Phobos. – The revised core size and the presence of a second liquid layer strongly support existing evidence of the planet’s deformation. – The presence of a molten-rock layer may contribute to the heat released by the radioactive elements present in the mantle. Conclusion – The analysis of seismic waves generated by a meteorite impact on Mars has provided groundbreaking insights into the planet’s interior structure. – The discovery of a molten-rock layer enveloping the core and a smaller core size has reshaped scientists’ understanding of Mars’ composition. – These findings have implications for our understanding of planet formation, as well as future missions to Mars. Related
