Apollo Missions Still Unlocking The Moon’s Secrets

Earlier this year, NASA scientists took another look at seismic data collected by seismometers placed by the Apollo astronauts in the late 1960’s and 70’s.  Using techniques that were not available in the mid seventies, NASA was able to analyze the data in new ways, and came to some interesting conclusions.

It seems that the Moon’s interior is much more complex than previously thought.  By analyzing how seismic waves travel through the Moon’s crust, mantle, and core, scientists were able to determine where the lunar interior changes from solid, to plastic, to liquid.  The new data suggests that beneath the mantle is a zone of plastic, partial melt, followed by a liquid outer core, and finally a solid inner core.  This is much more like the interior of the Earth than previously thought.

(NASA/MSFC/Renee Weber)

While this new information is revealing and exciting, the Moon still has many secrets to divulge.  NASA, with a multi-national cooperative including Japan, Europe, and India, has recently launched the International Lunar Network (ILN).  The ILN is a plan to incorporate geophysical sensing stations on future lunar missions of all types.  That means that if, say, Japan puts a lander on the Moon that’s primary mission is to analyze the chemistry of the lunar regolith, the probe will also include seismometers and other geophysical data collectors.  By creating a network of seismic detectors across the lunar surface, the exact nature of the lunar interior, including its chemical composition, can finally be revealed.

The ILN is an amazing step in piercing into the unknown of the lunar interior.  By incorporating many nations, not only is the immense cost of placing multiple seismic stations on the Moon diffused, but it opens the science up to the entire world.  When these other nations are prepared to launch missions to Mars, or other planets, similar programs should be implemented.


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