Story perspectives

New Mars Core Discovery Challenges Planet Formation Theories

9/8/2025

42 3

Summary

Story summary

A Chinese-led team confirmed Mars has a solid inner core, similar to Earth's, using NASA's InSight seismic data.
The core measures approximately 600 km (373 miles) in radius, constituting about 18% of Mars' total radius.
These findings challenge prior theories on Mars' formation, suggesting potential plate tectonics development.
The study, published in Nature, reveals the core likely contains iron, nickel, and lighter elements.
Experts note that questions about the core persist, necessitating further research on its properties and magnetic history.

1 of 1

Story summary

A Chinese-led team confirmed Mars has a solid inner core, similar to Earth's, using NASA's InSight seismic data.
The core measures approximately 600 km (373 miles) in radius, constituting about 18% of Mars' total radius.
These findings challenge prior theories on Mars' formation, suggesting potential plate tectonics development.
The study, published in Nature, reveals the core likely contains iron, nickel, and lighter elements.
Experts note that questions about the core persist, necessitating further research on its properties and magnetic history.