The earth's core is a nuclear furnace, right? Ditto for the moon?

Question

I understand the earths core is a nuclear furnace, thus keeping magma molten for eons, and occasionally breaking the surface in vents and volcanoes. The moon exhibits impact craters and some evidence of a volcanic past, but is the moon's core still molten and nuclear?

Answer 1

No it's not, neither of them have enough mass to form a nuclear reaction.

Analysis of the Moon's time-variable rotation indicate that the core is at least partly molten

Answer 2

Actually, no one knows for sure. The radioactive core of the earth is a theory that's been largely discounted simply due to the lack of nuclear material elsewhere on the planet. Mostly the heat of the core is thought to be from the immense pressure caused by gravity holding the earth together. The moon, being much smaller, probably cooled off already and doesn't have a molten core anymore. If it did, there would likely be more volcanic activity on the surface.
Gravity is caused by the fact that the stuff that makes up the moon/earth has mass, not because of molten cores. The magnetic field, however, is thought to be created by the swirling magma. None of it (as it's understood now) has anything to do with anything nuclear.
Also, mass isn't a requirement for a nuclear reaction. Look at this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natural_nuclear_fission_reactor . It was a natural nuclear reactor very close to the surface of the earth.

Answer 3

According to the very good wikipedia page about the Moon,
yes.
.
The Moon has a mean density of 3,346.4 kg/m³, making it the second densest moon in the Solar System after Io. Nevertheless, several lines of evidence imply that the core of the Moon is small, with a radius of about 350 km or less.[1] This corresponds to only about 20% the size of the Moon, in contrast to about 50% as is the case for most other terrestrial bodies. The composition of the lunar core is not well constrained, but most believe that it is composed of metallic iron alloyed with a small amount of sulfur and nickel. Analyses of the Moon's time-variable rotation indicate that the core is at least partly molten.*

Answer 4

There is some radioactive heating of Earth's core but it is not a full blown nuclear reaction like in an atomic power plant. According to current theory, the Moon never had an iron core and it is cold and solid all the way through.

Answer 5

NO.
Probably.

The earth has some deep radioactives whose decay produces heat. This is one of the reasons, the others being pressure and residual heat from the accretion, that the outer core of the earth is molten. But it isn't nearly hot enough for nuclear reactions to take place. That would require far greater temperature and pressure. At least for FUSION.

That said, and it is the current accepted wisdom, there is a "georeactor" theory which pretty much agrees with what you said. Here's a link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georeactor

Answer 6

Nope. Earth's core is NOT nuclear heat.

There is some heat from nuclear decay, but mostly it is residual heat. There are no nuclear reactions from fission or fusion going on.

No the Moon has no molten iron core. It is mostly stone and thus, much lighter than a similar volume of our Earth material.

Answer 7

To Scott

The Earth produces a gravitational field because it has mass and distorts space-time. So does the moon although because the moon is less massive it distorts space-time less and has less gravity. It matters not a wit if the core is molten or not.

Answer 8

Well, the Earth's core is hot because of radio active decay; the moon never had the heavier materials in it's make-up; it's mostly made from lighter ores, along with some iron. To my knowledge, I don't think the lunar core is molten.

Answer 9

do you realize how massive the Moon is? How a procedures away it somewhat is? take a glance on the Earth on Google Earth from the comparable attitude and middle it on Nevada. Now, initiate zooming in. tell me how close you will desire to get till now you spot the craters in SW Nevada from each and all of the A-Bomb assessments. lower back on your question... no, a missile ought to no longer attain the Moon. A missile payload ought to be positioned on a rocket designed to get to the Moon, regardless of if, it ought to by no skill be released, as a nuclear missile in orbit violates some million treaties. in case you opt for for Syria to end development nuclear reactors to refine bomb grade Plutonium, you will desire to obey the regulations your self.

Answer 10

the moon's core is cold and solid. As a result, the moon has no magnetic field.