Washington: NASA scientists have confirmed that Mars possesses a solid inner core, overturning earlier assumptions that the planet's core was entirely liquid. This discovery was made possible through seismic data collected by NASA's InSight lander, which operated on the Martian surface until 2022.

The research, published in the journal "Nature", reveals that Mars’ inner core extends roughly 380 miles (613 kilometers) from the planet’s center and is composed primarily of iron and nickel, with possible traces of lighter elements such as oxygen. Surrounding this solid core is a liquid outer core that reaches out to about 1,100 miles (1,800 kilometers) from the center.

The study analyzed data from 23 relatively weak marsquakes, which originated between 740 and 1,465 miles (1,200 to 2,360 kilometers) from InSight's location. The research team, led by Daoyuan Sun of the University of Science and Technology of China, used these seismic waves to map the internal structure of the Red Planet with unprecedented precision.

Scientists note that the proportion of Mars’ inner core to its total radius is similar to that of Earth, suggesting comparable internal structures despite the differences in size and surface conditions. Understanding the composition and behavior of Mars' core also sheds light on the planet’s geological history and evolution.

The slow crystallization of Mars’ inner core may help explain why the planet lacks a global magnetic field, a key factor affecting its atmosphere and surface conditions. While the InSight mission has ended, researchers hope that ongoing analysis of existing data and future missions will continue to refine knowledge about Mars’ interior.

This landmark discovery marks a major advance in planetary science, bringing scientists closer to understanding how Mars formed and how it compares to Earth in terms of internal structure.