Artist rendition of the molten silicate layer that potentially exists on top of the core of Mars with the lines depicting seismic waves collected by the NASA InSight lander (left) from meteorite impacts (top). (Credit: IPGP-CNES)

The lack of a magnetic field on Mars means the surface is constantly bombarded with solar radiation, leading to a lack of liquid water across its surface but making it inhospitable for life, as well. This is in stark contrast to the Earth, whose magnetic field shields us from this harmful radiation while allowing liquid water and life to be sustainable, as well. The team’s findings indicate that the heat produced by the radioactive elements at this newly discovered molten layer could have significantly changed how the Red Planet cooled over time, which could have led to the disappearance of its magnetic field.

“These layers, if widespread, can have pretty big consequences for the rest of the planet,” said Dr. Lekic. “Their existence can help tell us whether magnetic fields can be generated and maintained, how planets cool over time, and also how the dynamics of their interiors change over time.”

While Mars is a very cold and dry planet today, with an atmosphere just a fraction of Earth’s, things were much different billions of years ago after the Red Planet’s initial formation. During this time, active volcanoes replenished the atmosphere, and an active core produced a magnetic field that shielded the surface from harmful radiation, allowing liquid water to cascade across the surface. However, as the cored cooled, the magnetic field was lost and the volcanism ceased, resulting in the dead planet we see today.

What new discoveries will scientists make about Mars and its formation and evolution in the coming years and decades? Only time will tell, and this is why we science!

As always, keep doing science & keep looking up!