Formation and evolution of a lunar core from ilmenite-rich magma ocean cumulates

Abstract

In the absence of comprehensive seismic data coverage, the size, composition and physical state of the lunar core are still debated. It has been suggested that a dense ilmenite-rich layer, which originally crystallised near the top of the lunar magma ocean, may have sunk to the centre of the Moon to form either an outer core, surrounding a small metallic inner core, or a complete core if the lunar metallic iron content is insignificant.