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**New Study Reveals Moon’s Two Faces: Molten Interior May Explain Lunar Dichotomy**

**Bengaluru, India – May 24, 2025** – The Earth’s moon, always presenting the same face to our planet, has long intrigued scientists with its starkly different far side. Now, new research from NASA’s GRAIL mission sheds light on the possible reasons behind this lunar dichotomy.

Data published today indicates the moon’s interior is far from uniform. Scientists analyzing subtle month-on-month changes in the moon’s gravity, caused by Earth’s tides, have found evidence suggesting the near side is warmer, softer, and partially molten. Researchers predict a temperature difference of 100-200º C between the near and far hemispheres.

Models suggest a partly molten layer of rock exists 800-1,250 km beneath the near side’s surface. In the moon’s distant past, this molten layer could have fueled eruptions that formed the dark lava plains visible on the near side. As the interior cooled, these eruptions ceased 3-4 billion years ago. The moon’s far side, characterized by a thicker crust, may have prevented magma from reaching the surface, explaining the lack of lava plains and its heavily cratered appearance.

“This discovery is another piece in the puzzle of understanding the moon’s formation and evolution,” said a NASA spokesperson. “It joins other existing theories, such as the shielding effect of Earth on the near side and the uneven distribution of radioactive materials, to paint a more complete picture of our celestial neighbour.”

The findings, published in *The Hindu*, are available online and offer further insight into why the moon, despite its proximity, remains a source of fascinating scientific inquiry.

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