Hidden Heat in Mars’ Mantle Reveals Clues to the North-South Divide
Using tidal tomography on 16 years of data from MGS, Odyssey, and MRO, scientists found Mars’ southern mantle is 400–750°F hotter than the north, a thermal asymmetry that mirrors the crustal dichotomy and may result from mantle convection or long-lasting insulation. The finding doesn’t settle the cause but introduces a powerful, non-landing method for probing planetary interiors and insights into Mars’ past habitability.