Using data from NASA’s retired InSight lander, two separate research teams have uncovered significant insights into Mars’ interior structure. The findings, published in scientific journals, reveal that Mars has a sluggish mantle and a solid inner core, which may indicate that the planet is geologically inactive compared to Earth.
The research utilized seismic waves generated by meteor impacts detected by the InSight lander’s seismometer. These waves provided critical data about the planet’s internal composition and structure. The results suggest that Mars’ mantle is less dynamic than previously thought, which could have implications for understanding the geological evolution of terrestrial planets.
Scientists believe these findings could help improve models of planetary formation and differentiation. By studying Mars’ interior, researchers may gain insights into the processes that shaped Earth and other rocky planets in our solar system. The study represents a significant step in planetary science and highlights the importance of continued exploration of the Martian surface and subsurface.
NASA’s InSyght mission, which operated until 2022, was the first to successfully measure seismic activity on another planet. The data collected by the lander is expected to inform future missions and provide a foundation for deeper exploration of the Red Planet’s mysteries.