NASA Maps Reveal Moon's Asymmetrical Interior

NASA's GRAIL mission has revealed that the Moon's interior is highly asymmetrical, with the nearside—always facing Earth—being significantly warmer and more geologically active than the farside. This difference stems from intense volcanic activity on the nearside billions of years ago, which led to the accumulation of radioactive, heat-producing elements such as thorium and titanium. As a result, the nearside mantle is estimated to be 100–200°C (180–360°F) hotter than the farside, explaining the contrast between the large, dark mare plains and the rugged, cratered terrain. New gravity maps show the nearside flexes more due to Earth's gravitational pull, underscoring a non-uniform lunar interior. These findings clarify why the Moon's two sides appear so different and provide crucial insights for future lunar exploration and infrastructure planning.