Scientists identify molten layer deep within interior of Mars

New seismic data from Mars suggests the presence of a previously unknown layer of molten rock surrounding the planet’s liquid metallic core. The data was gathered by Nasa’s InSight lander, which detected seismic waves generated by a meteorite impact on the other side of Mars. The waves revealed a smaller and denser core than previously estimated, as well as a molten silicate layer about 90 miles thick surrounding the core. The researchers also recalculated the size of the core to be about 30% smaller than previously thought.