New Evidence Deepens Mystery of Moon’s Ancient Magnetic Field
Researchers used orbital gravity and magnetic data to identify a buried volcanic complex that may have preserved a field stronger than 10 microtesla.
- On September 23, ETH Zurich researchers identified a dense, magnetized rock body in the Moon's Dewar region, providing evidence the satellite possessed an internally generated magnetic field 4.2 billion years ago.
- Orbital data from NASA probes allowed researchers to bypass geological context issues inherent in Apollo lunar samples, which have fueled decades of debate over the Moon's magnetic history.
- Measuring 37 miles wide and 5.6 miles deep, the buried rock body likely represents solidified magma from a volcanic complex, researchers concluded after combining gravity and magnetic data.
- These findings support the theory of an early lunar dynamo while explaining lunar swirls, where magnetic anomalies deflect solar wind to protect the surface, geophysicist Anna Mittelholz stated.
- Lead author Xi Yang noted this orbital methodology offers a new approach for studying planetary magnetic histories, potentially helping future missions like Artemis identify protected lunar surface areas.
19 Articles
19 Articles
The far side of the moon offers clues to lunar magnetic field mystery
By Jacopo Prisco, CNN (CNN) — An unusual rock buried on the far side of the moon is providing fresh clues for a longstanding scientific puzzle: the ancient lunar magnetic field.Analyzing data from lunar probes, a team of researchers found a rock formation that was much denser and more strongly magnetized compared with the surrounding
A Hidden Structure on the Moon’s Far Side Could Rewrite Its Magnetic History
New orbital evidence suggests the young Moon may once have generated its own magnetic field from deep within its interior. A buried volcanic structure on the Moon’s far side may provide some of the strongest evidence yet that the young Moon once generated its own magnetic field. Researchers combined gravity data from NASA’s GRAIL mission [...]
Did the Moon once have Its own magnetic field?
For decades, the history of the Moon's magnetic field has been a point of contention. The central question is whether the Moon once possessed an internal dynamo-a molten core generating a global magnetic field-or if its magnetism is merely a remnant of debris ejected from Earth during ancient collisions. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have examined lunar regolith from the far side to find a physical record of these ancient proc…
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