Pennsylvania State scientists propose Moon's surprising binary origins
Scientists from Pennsylvania State University have presented a new theory regarding the origin of the Moon. Their findings completely overturn previous assumptions about Earth's natural satellite.
5:03 PM EST, November 12, 2024
Despite being our closest celestial neighbor, the Moon's origin has remained a mystery to scientists. Since the 1980s, the leading theory suggested that the Moon formed from a collision between Earth and the protoplanet Theia in the planet's early history. However, as reported by the "Daily Mail," the team led by Professor Darren Williams proposes an alternative explanation that challenges this "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 analyzing samples taken from the Moon. These samples showed a very similar chemical composition to our planet, leading scientists to conclude that the Moon formed from debris when a celestial body struck young Earth. However, this theory does not explain why the Moon's orbit is tilted about seven degrees relative to Earth's equator, an issue the binary exchange theory addresses.
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 Neptune captured Triton 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 needed to pass by Earth at a distance of just 80,000 miles and a speed below 6,700 mph. Scientists admit 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 – summarized Professor Williams, quoted by the "Daily Mail."
