Most theories behind the formation of the Moon assume that it was formed by the accretion of debris over the years after the Earth collided with a huge mass. Now, using the powerful computing power of a supercomputer, scientists have simulated the phenomenon and concluded that the process did not continue for that long, but was completed instantaneously within a few hours. This groundbreaking research, represents an alternative approach and is a major breakthrough in the study of our natural satellite.
“This opens up a whole new range of possible starting points for the evolution of the Moon,” says Jacob Kegerreis, lead author of the study, NASA.
What is the popular theory behind the formation of the moon?
The most popular model behind the formation of the Moon says that it was formed when an object called Theia, which was the size of Mars, collided with our Earth billions of years ago. Although the Moon theory explains a lot, scientists are still puzzled as to why the composition of the Moon is so similar to Earth. From lunar samples, scientists were able to predict that most of the material that makes up the Moon originally came from Earth.
If we continue with the popular Earth-Theia collision theory, then why the Moon is so similar to Earth is complicated. According to NASA, this is theorized to be unlikely because Theia ejected into orbit and mixed with only a small amount of material from Earth. Unless Theia was also isotopically similar to Earth, this is not possible, NASA adds.
In this new simulation, scientists used more Earth material to form the moon, especially its outer layers, which could explain the proximity. NASA says that this one-stage, faster-formation hypothesis provides a clearer and more elegant solution to both of these open questions. It also explains the mystery of the Moon’s wide orbit with an interior that is not completely molten, further explaining features such as the Moon’s tilted orbit and thin crust.
What is the scope of further study in the field?
NASA is undertaking the Artemis mission and believes that the research conducted as part of the mission will shed light on the picture. It is also necessary to know more about the Moon, because these studies can bring us closer to understanding how our own Earth became a life-sustaining world. “The more we learn about how the Moon came to be, the more we discover about the evolution of our own Earth,” Vincent Eke, co-author of the paper, told NASA.
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