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Buried volcanic complex on Moon's far side points to ancient magnetic field

As of September 2026: Co-leading the study

ETH Zurich researchers combined gravity and magnetic measurements from orbiting probes and found a buried, strongly magnetized volcanic complex beneath the Moon's far side. The 4.2-billion-year-old structure, roughly 60 kilometers wide, is the strongest evidence yet that the Moon once generated its own magnetic field.

Updated Sep 26

Notable Quotes

We have found that the magnetic field on the Moon at that time was very likely stronger than 10 microtesla.

from Buried volcanic complex on Moon's far side points to ancient magnetic field · Updated Sep 26

We can therefore be almost certain that the magnetic field must originate from a longer-lasting dynamo generated in the core.

from Buried volcanic complex on Moon's far side points to ancient magnetic field · Updated Sep 26