Earth most likely got its Moon through a massive collision with another planet early in its history.
The Giant-Impact Theory Explained
The most widely accepted scientific explanation for the Moon's formation is known as the giant-impact theory. This theory proposes that the Moon formed during a collision between the Earth and another small planet, a celestial body estimated to be about the size of the planet Mars.
Here's a simple breakdown of the process:
- A massive impact occurred between the early Earth and another protoplanet (sometimes called Theia).
- The enormous energy of this collision would have vaporized vast amounts of material from both bodies.
- The debris from this impact collected in an orbit around Earth over time.
- Gravitational forces caused this orbiting material to coalesce, gradually forming the Moon we see today.
This catastrophic event reshaped both objects and set the stage for the Moon to begin its journey orbiting Earth.
