Rethinking the Moon: New theory challenges collision origins
Scientists from Pennsylvania State University have presented a new theory regarding the origin of the Moon. Their findings completely overturned previous assumptions scientists had about Earth's natural satellites.
Although the Moon is the closest neighbour to our planet, scientists have still not been able to determine its origin. Since the 1980s, the prevailing theory was that the Moon formed as a result of a collision between Earth and the protoplanet Theia in the early history of our planet. However, as reported by the "Daily Mail", the team led by Professor Darren Williams proposes an alternative explanation that completely overturns the "collision" theory.
No one knows how the Moon formed. For the last four decades, we had one possibility to explain its origin. Now we have two – stated Professor Williams, quoted by the "Daily Mail".
According to the new concept, the Moon could have been part of a binary system in which two rocky bodies orbited around each other. When this duo approached Earth, one of the bodies (the Moon) was captured by our planet, while the other was ejected into outer space.
The previous theory was mainly based on the analysis of samples taken on the Moon. This showed that it has a very similar chemical composition to our planet. This led to the conclusion that the Moon must have formed from debris that broke off when another celestial body struck the young Earth. However, this theory does not explain why the Moon's orbit is tilted about seven degrees relative to Earth's equator. This issue is explained by the binary exchange theory.
New theory on the origin of the Moon
An analogy to Triton, Neptune’s largest moon, supports the binary exchange theory advocated by Professor Williams. It is believed that Triton was captured by Neptune from the Kuiper Belt. Like our Moon, Triton orbits at a significantly inclined angle, tilting 67 degrees from the planet's equator.
Research published in "The Planetary Science Journal" suggests that binary systems were common in the young Solar System. This increases the likelihood that a similar process could have led to the formation of our Moon.
The only caveat is that a binary planetary system would have had to pass by Earth at a distance of just 129,000 kilometres at a speed below 10,800 kilometres per hour. Scientists admit that their theory is difficult to prove and relies on several "improbable events" occurring simultaneously, yet it opens new perspectives in understanding the history of Earth and its satellite.
This opens a treasure trove of new questions and possibilities for further studies – summarised Professor Williams, quoted by the "Daily Mail".
