Seismic data from Mars reveals a large liquid core and thick crust
In short: Researchers analyzing marsquakes detected by the InSight mission's seismometer have mapped the interior of Mars. The study found that the planet possesses a large, liquid core approximately 1,830 kilometers in size and a crust ranging from 24 to 72 kilometers in thickness.
By studying seismic waves from recent marsquakes, the researchers provided a preliminary look at the Martian interior. This helps constrain theories regarding the planet's internal dynamics and chemistry. However, the findings are based on a limited set of seismic observations from a single mission.
The study suggests the Martian mantle consists of only one rocky layer, unlike Earth's two-layer structure, because the large core occupies so much space.
Why it matters: We are beginning to understand the internal architecture and dynamic history of our neighboring planet.
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