Data From InSight Suggests Mars has an All-Liquid Core and Internal Mass Anomalies
A group of planetary scientists hailing from Belgium, the United States, France, and Germany has presented findings, based on data from the InSight lander, which indicate the presence of a fully liquid core on Mars along with internal mass irregularities. Their research, detailed in a publication in the journal Nature, elaborates on the analysis conducted using the data transmitted from the lander to Earth.
According to the research team, the challenge of understanding the internal properties of planets in our solar system stems from their limited accessibility. Their focus in this case was on previous attempts by other research teams to determine the composition of Mars’ interior. Until now, no conclusive evidence has been presented regarding the state of its core, whether solid or liquid, which has implications for investigations into the planet’s potential for hosting life.
In their latest study, the researchers concentrated on data gathered by the InSight lander, which successfully landed on Mars in 2018. The lander transmitted data back to Earth from its landing day until December 2022 when dust accumulation on its solar panels hindered recharging.
The team highlights two primary sensors on InSight: a seismometer that measured marsquakes and another called RISE, which sent radio signals from the lander to Earth. By precisely locating the lander, the signals from RISE enabled the monitoring of Mars’ rotation and its subtle variations, providing insights into the planet’s internal composition.
Analyzing the RISE data, the researchers discovered indications of “mass anomalies” beneath the Martian surface. These anomalies were observed to extend from the top of the mantle to the bottom, potentially impacting Mars’ gravitational field and overall shape, which are primarily influenced by the planet’s rotation.
The team suggests that these anomalies could have additional effects. Significantly, by differentiating data related to the core and the mantle, the researchers found compelling evidence supporting the existence of a liquid, molten core within Mars. Additionally, they observed a slight increase in the planet’s rotation rate.
Read the original article on Phys.
Read more: Using Minnesota Rocks To Illustrate How An Atmosphere Could Have Formed On Mars.
