Earth's Core Mystery, Moon's Origin Debate, and Charon's Icy Secrets

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 123
*Discovery of a New Region within the Earth's Core
Scientists have uncovered a doughnut-shaped region within Earth's molten liquid outer core, located at low latitudes parallel to the equator. This torus-like zone was detected due to seismic waves travelling slower through this area compared to the rest of the liquid outer core. The discovery, published in Science Advances, suggests that this region could be several hundred kilometres thick and contains a high concentration of light chemical elements, which may be affecting the seismic wave speeds. The findings provide new insights into the Earth's magnetic field and its potential future changes.
*Fresh Questions about the True Origins of the Earth's Moon
A new hypothesis challenges the widely accepted giant impact theory of the Moon's formation. The study proposes that the Moon was captured during a close encounter between the young Earth and a separate terrestrial binary planetary system. This theory could explain the Moon's current orbital plane, more aligned with the sun's ecliptic than Earth's equator. The study opens the door to further exploration of the Moon's origins, especially considering its chemical similarities to Earth.
*New Study Reveals More Secrets about Pluto's Binary Partner, Charon
NASA's Webb Space Telescope has revealed that Charon, Pluto's binary partner, has significant reserves of carbon dioxide and hydrogen peroxide on its surface. The carbon dioxide ice forms a thin veneer over a water ice-rich subsurface. The study, published in Nature Communications, suggests that the carbon dioxide was likely stored beneath the surface until exposed by impacts, while hydrogen peroxide results from radiation breaking apart water ice. These findings add to the understanding of Charon's chemical composition and its geological history.
00:00:00 - This is spacetime series 27, episode 123 for broadcast on 11 October 2024
00:00:46 - Scientists have detected a new doughnut shaped region within the Earth's molten liquid core
00:12:31 - A new study has come up with a different hypothesis to explain the origin of the moon
00:17:46 - NASA's Webb Space Telescope reveals vast reserves of carbon dioxide on Pluto's surface
00:21:19 - People with type two diabetes who sleep short may develop microvascular disease
00:24:23 - Movie producers claim they've accidentally captured footage of a lake monster
00:27:23 - Spacetime is available every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through various podcasting platforms
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