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Is the Moon rock solid?

Published in Lunar Science 2 mins read

Yes, the Moon is considered to be composed of solid rock throughout.

Based on scientific understanding, the Moon's internal structure is primarily solid. Its significant mass creates sufficient pressure to prevent large voids within its interior.

Lunar Composition and Structure

While the Moon does have a core, mantle, and crust similar to Earth, its overall composition is predominantly solid.

  • Crust: The outermost layer, made of solid rock.
  • Mantle: A thick layer beneath the crust, believed to be mostly solid rock, although potentially with a partially molten region deep down.
  • Core: Located at the center, thought to be small and potentially partly molten, but the vast majority of the Moon's volume is solid rock.

According to current estimates, the Moon's substantial mass is sufficient to eliminate any significant voids within its interior. Therefore, it is estimated to be composed of solid rock throughout. This means that while there are distinct layers, the material making up these layers is fundamentally solid, differing from bodies that might be porous or gaseous throughout their bulk.

Understanding the Moon's solid nature is crucial for studying its formation, geological history, and gravitational influence.

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