Unveiling Mars' Surprising Molten Layer Above its Core
Two new papers published in Nature reveal that Mars has a molten silicate rock layer, approximately 150 kilometers thick, surrounding its liquid iron-alloy core. This challenges previous assumptions about the size and composition of Mars' core, suggesting that it is smaller and denser than previously thought. The seismic data collected by the Mars InSight lander provides valuable insights into the planet's interior structure and could help scientists understand Mars' history and evolution. Further research is needed to unravel the mysteries of Mars' past and its transformation into the arid and lifeless planet we see today.