Earth's gravitational pull can melt a little bit of the moon

After dozens of new discoveries about exoplanets, black holes, neutron stars and even the invisible dark matter that permeates all galaxies, it seems that there is a celestial body that still continues to amaze us. Yes, the moon has more news to show us.

The lunar surface continues to be talked about, being a source of studies and new revelations. In more recent research, new research suggests that the moon has a previously unknown low-viscosity region just above the nucleus.

According to information from Ars Technica, the region is partially fused, which fits with earlier models suggesting that some melting points may exist at the mantle-core boundary.

Relationship with the tides

The region, referred to in the study as the "low viscosity zone, " could better explain the moon's tidal dissipation measurements. Although scientists have already calculated the effects of Earth's tidal forces on the moon, none of these calculations was sufficient. to account for certain observations.

Specifically, there is a relationship between the moon's tidal period and its ability to absorb seismic waves, which are converted to deep heat within Earth's natural satellite. This relationship was inexplicable until now. However, the study authors were able to closely match these observations with their simulation when a low viscosity zone was included in their models.

Tides on Earth form the most obvious effect of the gravitational influence of the moon, but surprisingly, the earth has a reciprocal influence on lunar tides. As these tidal forces of the earth exert pressure on the moon, it creates seismic waves.

These waves then dissipate and are converted to heat deep within the moon in a process called tidal warming. As a result, the low viscosity zone plays a role in the process, helping the waves dissipate.

Calculations

It may seem rather complicated, but using these measurements, the researchers were able to calculate some specific characteristics of the low viscosity zone. The resulting viscosity value is extremely low compared to previous estimates of conditions at the bottom of the lunar mantle.

The zone begins about 500 meters above the lunar center, acting as a blanket to slow core cooling and influencing the thermal evolution of the moon.

However, the study authors state that the model is not perfect and recognize that it does not correspond exactly to all observations. "The asthenospheric viscosity and lithosphere thickness are probably very smooth and very thin respectively in our reference model, " they write.

In any case, this does not mean that the results are not informative, but rather that a more accurate model may still be needed in order to understand the Moon's internal structure in more detail and much more clearly.

Researchers say understanding the relationship between dissipation and tidal cycles in planetary bodies is important for many aspects of space science. Among other things, this relationship can give clues about the evolution of the body in question, both its thermal properties and its orbital history.

And it can still help us understand the moons of other planets, such as those in the orbits of Jupiter and Saturn. The history of the moon is of particular interest as it is intertwined with our own past and will continue to be studied for a long time. Maybe the big bright moon still has a few more surprises up its sleeve waiting to be discovered?