Scientists from NASA and the University of Arizona have uncovered a fascinating and unexpected phenomenon within our Moon — a layer of what they refer to as ‘Moon Goo.’
Moving beneath the lunar surface, this unusual layer has been compared to the motion of ocean tides, reacting to gravitational forces from Earth and the Sun.
The discovery was featured in a study published in the journal AGU Advances.
The researchers analyzed data obtained from NASA’s Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) and the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.
This provided the first-ever look at the Moon’s yearly gravity changes due to tides.
This phenomenon challenges long-held views of lunar geology, reshaping our understanding of the internal structure of Earth’s natural satellite.
The Moon, as most learn in high school, is comprised of a crust, a mantle, and a core. However, this new study suggests there is more lurking beneath the surface.
The peculiar ‘Moon Goo’ is situated between the Moon’s crust and its core, exhibiting tidal patterns influenced by gravitational forces.
The goo-like layer is thought to be a partial melt, but questions remain about how it formed and why it remains hot enough to stay in its pliable state.
According to the study, “Only models with a softer layer at the bottom of the mantle match all our measurements.”
This revelation raises intriguing scientific questions, such as what sustains this semi-molten layer’s heat and movement.
Researchers suggest the Moon’s thermal state could be at play, maintaining this goo’s texture and enabling it to shift beneath the surface.
The findings prompt further exploration into the Moon’s geophysical properties and could offer insights into its thermal history and evolution.
As scientists delve deeper into these mysteries, they hope to better understand these ‘known unknowns’ about lunar activity.
The study’s authors emphasize the significance of the discovery: “The existence of this zone has profound implications for the Moon’s thermal state and evolution.”
With this discovery, our cosmic neighbor, the Moon, has proven that it may still have secrets to reveal, potentially leading to further scientific breakthroughs.