While satellites orbiting the Moon and Mars have gathered a lot of information about planetary surfaces, learning what happens beneath the surface has been difficult. To solve this problem, researchers developed a new technique called tidal tomography, which allows scientists to study deep planetary interiors.
In a recent study, a research team used this method to discover a massive heat anomaly in the mantle beneath the southern hemisphere of Mars. The study indicates that this hot spot is between 200 and 400 degrees Celsius warmer than the surrounding areas. This important finding helps scientists better understand how Mars has evolved over time.
This research builds on previous work that used tidal tomography to study Earth's interior. After successfully adapting the technique for use on Mars, the researchers hope that it will soon be applied to the Moon as well, revealing new details about its hidden interior.
Difficult words
- interior — the inside part or internal structure of somethinginteriors
- technique — a specific way of doing a scientific task
- anomaly — something unusual or different from the normal state
- mantle — the thick layer of rock between a planet crust and core
- evolve — to develop and change gradually over a long periodevolved
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Discussion questions
- Why do you think it is difficult to learn what happens beneath planetary surfaces?
- How can discovering hot spots help scientists understand a planet better?
- Where else in the solar system would you like scientists to use this new technique?
