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NASA Reveals Thermal Asymmetry in Moon’s Mantle Using Tidal Tomography

A study published May 14, 2025, confirms the Moon’s near side is 100–200°C warmer due to radioactive elements, offering groundbreaking insights into lunar geology and seismic behavior.

The moon's near side, at left, and far side are seen in a combination of undated images from observations made by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY
An undated artist's concept shows the moon's hot interior and volcanism about 2 to 3 billion years ago. It is thought that volcanic activity on the lunar near side (the side facing Earth) helped create a landscape dominated by vast plains called mare, which are formed by molten rock that cooled and solidified. NASA/JPL-Caltech/Handout via REUTERS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY
An artist's cross-section of the moon.

Overview

  • NASA researchers, using GRAIL mission data, discovered the Moon’s near side mantle is significantly hotter and more deformable than its far side by 100–200°C.
  • The thermal difference is attributed to concentrated radioactive elements like thorium and titanium, remnants of volcanic activity from 2–4 billion years ago.
  • This temperature disparity explains the Moon’s surface dichotomy, with vast mare plains on the near side and rugged terrain on the far side.
  • The study introduces tidal tomography, a non-invasive technique that maps planetary interiors with unprecedented detail without requiring landers.
  • The same method was applied to asteroid Vesta, revealing its interior is largely homogeneous with a minimal or absent core, and could be extended to other celestial bodies in future missions.