Archive · 19 May 2025
NASA Study Reveals Why Moon's Sides Differ
Imagine the Moon is like a ball, and the side we see (nearside) is different from the hidden side (farside).
NASA studied the Moon with special robots and found the nearside is warmer and more active.
The nearside's crust is thinner, so volcanoes erupted more, creating dark plains.
Heat-producing elements also gathered there.
This means the two sides of the Moon are very different because of its internal structure, and this helps scientists learn more about the Moon and how it was formed.
NASA's GRAIL mission data reveals significant differences between the Moon's near and far sides.
The nearside of the Moon is warmer and more geologically active than the farside.
The Moon's nearside crust is thinner, allowing for more volcanic activity and lava flows.
Heat-producing elements concentrated in the nearside mantle contribute to thermal imbalance.
Findings improve understanding of lunar internal structure, important for future missions.
- Who
- NASA scientists
- What
- NASA study explains why the Moon's near and far sides differ
- When
- Study published recently, based on GRAIL mission data from 2011
- Where
- Moon's near and far sides
- Why
- Differences in internal structure and crustal thickness
- Study Used
- GRAIL mission
- Warmer Side
- Nearside
- Cratered side
- Farside
- Nearside Crust
- Thinner
- Temperature difference (estimated)
- 180-360 degrees Fahrenheit (100-200 degrees Celsius)