PLANETARY SEISMOLOGY

Abstract

Contrary to Earth, the interior of terrestrial planets is poorly known. This is mainly related to the lack of seismic data and of planetary seismic networks on these planets. So far, despite several attempts, only the Apollo Seismic Network has returned seismic information from the Moon. But even in this case, very few seismic signals were recorded after a propagation path through the deep interior and core owing to a hemispheric distribution of the stations on the near side and to a probably strongly attenuating lower mantle. This review presents the main results achieved by the analysis of the Apollo seismic data and the associated constraints on the internal structure of the Moon. It then presents the current knowledge on the Martian interior, the seismic activity of the planet, and possible source of seismic noise. This information can be used for preparing future Martian seismic network missions. A short review on existing space-qualified instruments and on possible seismic missions toward other telluric bodies, such as Venus, the giant planets’ satellites, or small bodies, is then given.