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The Origin of the Moon - what does this mean really?
So, what is the origin of the Moon? Some scientists suggests the moon is really a piece of the Earth that was knocked out into space. This same piece ended up circling the Earth and was shaped over time into what we now know as the Moon. The gravity of the Earth, combined with the heat of the collision, caused a gas pocket, which heated up smaller particles and then covered the surface.
The explanation for this theory sounds solid. The main idea is that the Earth’s core has been drained of the Iron once found in it. This made the impact much stronger and when the Moon was tested, the Iron count was really low supporting this theory.
What other facts support the Origin of the Moon?
The Earth has 5.5 grams per cubic centimeter while the Moon only has 3.3. The moon has the same Oxygen make up of the Earth whereas other Planets, such as Mars, do not. This means that the Earth and Moon are made up of the same pieces of minerals, showing that the Moon was made in the same atmosphere as the Earth.
Who came up with this theory on the Origin of the Moon?
Hartmann and Davis, who once worked with the Soviet Union, thought of the current idea that is supported today. They used studies provided by V. S. Safronov, a Russian Scientist. They ran tests and looked at figures and facts of the rate of growth surrounding the Earth, including the Asteroid Belt.
The theory maintains that the Earth’s gravitational pull brought more pieces to the chunk of Earth, and it grew to be the size of the Moon today.
The Idea continued.
During 1984, a meeting was held to discuss the Origin of the Moon. The meeting focused on the idea that a giant impact broke off pieces of the Earth and then computer models were used to show how the impact happened and the continuation of the Moon’s growth in size. Since this study, the Scientist have decided that the gravitation is more important the actual gas pressure.
The Ring theory
In this theory, the pieces of Earth collided with pieces of space and then separated, but not completely, leaving a ring in the center of it. This ring then collected particles from space at a high velocity causing the whole to close up and the iron to form together. This caused a hot gas reaction, which spread over the surface causing it to take on a round shape.
Another Ring Theory
Some say that the Moon was originally made up of molten rock and, as it cooled off, the Moon took on its circular shape. There have been pieces of rock that have helped give this idea validity, but without further research, it is hard to say if it’s accurate or not.
Final thoughts
The Moon has been around longer than man has and with the right amount of research and studies, we may finally find the complete and correct answer. Most of the theories can almost validate themselves. The idea of an impact would cause the heat and gas pressure while the gravity would cause it to stay together. Finally, the molten process would show that, as it cooled, the Circular shape was formed. No matter what the Origin of the Moon is, you can be sure that scientists will eventually figure it out.
Return to the Astronomy For Kids Online homepage from this origin of the Moon page
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