A surprising discovery has shaken up our understanding of the Moon. Scientists have discovered a mysterious heat source on its hidden side. This thermal anomaly raises many questions about the composition and geological history of our natural satellite. What is this unexpected heat hiding?
The moon, our faithful celestial companion, never ceases to amaze us. Recently, a team of researchers shed light on an interesting phenomenon on its hidden side. This discovery calls into question our current knowledge of the composition of our satellite and opens new perspectives on its geological evolution.
An unexpected thermal anomaly
Scientists have discovered an unusually hot region buried beneath the moon’s surface. This region, about 50 km in diameter, has a temperature 10 degrees Celsius higher than its immediate surroundings. This thermal difference, though seemingly minor, is significant enough to surprise experts.
The origin of this mysterious heat appears to be linked to the presence of a massive block. GraniteGranite. This type of rock, common on Earth, is rarely seen in large quantities on other celestial bodies. Its discovery on the Moon therefore raises many questions about the geological processes that formed our satellite.
An ancient lunar volcano as a possible source
Researchers hypothesize that this IrregularitiesIrregularities Thermals may be a sign of ancient volcanic activity. Oh VolcanoVolcano This phenomenon would have its origin in extinction for about 3.5 billion years. Although the eruption has stopped for a long time, MagmaMagma The residue, trapped below the surface, will continue to emit detectable thermal radiation.
The discovery is all the more interesting because it reveals unexpected similarities between the Earth and the Moon. The study’s principal investigator, Matt Siegler, emphasized:
” This phenomenon is much closer to what we see on Earth than what we thought possible on the Moon, which despite its lack of water and Plate tectonicsPlate tectonicsimportant elements for the formation of terrestrial granite”.
Advanced Techniques to Unlock the Secrets of the Moon
To detect this thermal anomaly, scientists used an innovative method based on microwave analysis. This technique allowed them to measure the temperature below the surface of the moon with unprecedented accuracy. Data was collected thanks to several space missions:
- Chinese lunar orbiters Chang’e 1 and 2;
- NASA’s Lunar Prospector
- gave Lunar Reconnaissance OrbiterLunar Reconnaissance Orbiter From NASA
This international collaboration and use of advanced technologies underscores the importance of scientific cooperation in space exploration.
Implications for our understanding of lunar history
The presence of granite on the Moon may improve our understanding of its geological history. On Earth, granite usually forms under specific conditions, including the presence of water. MovementsMovements Tectonics However, these elements are missing on the Moon.
To better understand this phenomenon, the researchers set up a comparison table:
|
characteristic |
Tere |
Loan |
|
Presence of water |
Oi |
No (or very little) |
|
Plate tectonics |
active |
non-existent |
|
Granite Formation |
Commune |
rare (so far) |
Therefore, this discovery may lead us to reconsider the mechanism of rock formation in extraterrestrial environments. It also opens up new perspectives on the geological evolution of celestial bodies.EnvironmentEnvironment And water liquidliquid on the surface
The results of this interesting research were published in a well-known journal. The naturetestifying to the importance of this discovery to the scientific community. Researchers are continuing their investigations to uncover all the mysteries of this mysterious summer on the hidden side of the moon.
