Mars' Mysterious Acceleration: NASA's InSight Uncovers Surprising Spin Speed Increase

NASA's InSight Mars lander has provided scientists with precise measurements of Mars' rotation, revealing a subtle acceleration and the planet's wobble caused by its molten core. This data offers unprecedented insights into the size and shape of Mars' core, providing crucial information about the planet's internal structure. The measurements were made using InSight's Rotation and Interior Structure Experiment (RISE), which utilized advanced radio technology and upgrades to antennas within NASA's Deep Space Network. The findings suggest that Mars' rotation is accelerating by about 4 milliarcseconds per year², resulting in a slight shortening of the Martian day. The study also measured Mars' wobble, allowing scientists to estimate the core's radius and shape.