Maybe we'll have to give up the idea of Theia colliding with the primordial Earth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giant-impact_hypothesis), "splashing" off a huge amount of material that eventually resulted in the formation of our Moon.
"Many tiny moons came together to form moon, simulations suggest" |
ScienceNews (https://www.sciencenews.org/article/many-tiny-moons-came-together-form-moon-simulations-suggest)
Quote(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Fngeo%2Fjournal%2Fvaop%2Fncurrent%2Fcarousel%2Fngeo2866-f1.jpg&hash=4f9fbb58215f64eabbb943b2c51d6e3afee51700)
Image Credit: Nature
The moon is made of moons, new simulations suggest. Instead of a single colossal collision forming Earth's cosmic companion, researchers propose that a series of medium to large impacts created mini moons that eventually coalesced to form one giant moon.
This mini-moon amalgamation explains why the moon has an Earthlike chemical makeup, the researchers propose January 9 in Nature Geoscience.
[Continues . . . (https://www.sciencenews.org/article/many-tiny-moons-came-together-form-moon-simulations-suggest)]
Abstract from
Nature Geoscience (http://www.nature.com/ngeo/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/ngeo2866.html):
QuoteThe hypothesis of lunar origin by a single giant impact can explain some aspects of the Earth–Moon system. However, it is difficult to reconcile giant-impact models with the compositional similarity of the Earth and Moon without violating angular momentum constraints. Furthermore, successful giant-impact scenarios require very specific conditions such that they have a low probability of occurring. Here we present numerical simulations suggesting that the Moon could instead be the product of a succession of a variety of smaller collisions. In this scenario, each collision forms a debris disk around the proto-Earth that then accretes to form a moonlet. The moonlets tidally advance outward, and may coalesce to form the Moon. We find that sub-lunar moonlets are a common result of impacts expected onto the proto-Earth in the early Solar System and find that the planetary rotation is limited by impact angular momentum drain. We conclude that, assuming efficient merger of moonlets, a multiple-impact scenario can account for the formation of the Earth–Moon system with its present properties.
Interesting, though I do like the more dramatic idea of violent collision. ;D
I'll show you violent collision
Spoiler
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstrangecosmos.com%2Fimages%2Fcontent%2F178678.gif&hash=83d29ab06b73d5f277a19d84bfd89f1b5564dd3a)
Where did the green cheese come from?
Does anyone see the Energizer Bunny in the moon instead of a man?
Quote from: Apathy on January 12, 2017, 03:19:10 AM
I'll show you violent collision
Spoiler
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstrangecosmos.com%2Fimages%2Fcontent%2F178678.gif&hash=83d29ab06b73d5f277a19d84bfd89f1b5564dd3a)
Spoiler
Did it send a chunk of flesh hurling into space? No? Then it's not as dramatic. :snooty:
Quote from: OldGit on January 12, 2017, 09:37:55 AM
Where did the green cheese come from?
Oh, cheese is quite abundant in the Milky Way. :smilenod:
Quote from: OldGit on January 12, 2017, 09:37:55 AM
Where did the green cheese come from?
The obvious explanation would be a mutant star goat.
Quote from: Ecurb Noselrub on January 12, 2017, 10:43:31 AM
Does anyone see the Energizer Bunny in the moon instead of a man?
I see a little teddy bear:
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FDrUImsi.jpg&hash=10f21b279122cca7eb2c9221e91d57d6ef121838)
Looks more like one of the early ultrasound scans of a well developed fetus - only in negative - to me.
The moon is made of moons? Of course! The earth is made of earth too...
Quote from: joeactor on January 12, 2017, 02:54:11 PM
The moon is made of moons? Of course! The earth is made of earth too...
:lol: I think you win that round,
joeactor.
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 12, 2017, 11:25:25 AM
Quote from: Apathy on January 12, 2017, 03:19:10 AM
I'll show you violent collision
Spoiler
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstrangecosmos.com%2Fimages%2Fcontent%2F178678.gif&hash=83d29ab06b73d5f277a19d84bfd89f1b5564dd3a)
Spoiler
Did it send a chunk of flesh hurling into space? No? Then it's not as dramatic. :snooty:
Spoiler
Oh but it did, pig skin!
Quote from: Apathy on January 12, 2017, 07:29:51 PM
Quote from: xSilverPhinx on January 12, 2017, 11:25:25 AM
Quote from: Apathy on January 12, 2017, 03:19:10 AM
I'll show you violent collision
Spoiler
(https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstrangecosmos.com%2Fimages%2Fcontent%2F178678.gif&hash=83d29ab06b73d5f277a19d84bfd89f1b5564dd3a)
Spoiler
Did it send a chunk of flesh hurling into space? No? Then it's not as dramatic. :snooty:
Spoiler
Oh but it did, pig skin!
Spoiler
*squints*
I think I see it. :suspicious: