Rings and moons articles from across Nature Portfolio

By combining geophysical and geodetic constraints for different models of the internal structure of the Moon, evidence is provided supporting the lunar mantle overturn scenario and the existence of a solid inner core.

The unusual radar properties of icy satellites appear to be correlated and distributed along a spectrum of values. Only modelling including the coherent backscatter opposition effect can reproduce this behaviour.

The 33 minute change in the orbital period of Dimorphos after the DART kinetic impact suggests that ejecta contributed a substantial amount of momentum to the asteroid compared with the DART spacecraft alone.

The nanometer silica grains that were detected by Cassini in Saturn’s E-ring can be explained by hydrothermal activity on Enceladus’ seafloor and upward transport through the ocean, according to analytical modeling of convection and particle entrainment in Enceladus’ ocean.

Lunar high-concentration ferric ion (Fe³⁺/∑Fe > 40%) and ~63% of nanophase metallic iron (npFe⁰) are produced via charge disproportionation of ferrous iron from micrometeoroid impacts, as observed in the Chang’e-5 sample. This ongoing process would lead to a continuously increasing abundance of Fe³⁺ in the lunar regolith.

Lunar soils returned by China’s Chang’E−5 (CE5) mission record the unique information of solar wind essential to understanding the preservation and distribution of lunar surficial water. Here the authors report abundant water formed by solar wind implantation in minerals of CE5 lunar soils; the water content in CE5 lunar soils is estimated to be ~ 170 ppm.