A new study by two Harvard scientists suggests that the leading theory about the Moon's origins could be wrong.
Since the 1970s, scientists have advocated a theory proposing that the moon was created from thrown-off Debris when a Mars-sized object collided with the Earth. But a new analysis obtained through moon rocks shows that a more violent collision might have occurred.
Kung Wang and Stein B. Jacobsen from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Harvard re-measured the old Apollo samples from the 1970s using advanced technology that was not available 40 years ago. While the old theory of the moon's origins deftly explained its orbital position and size, the scientists found some elements that could not be supported by the old theory. Both scientists found the presence of heavy isotopes of potassium which could have only been separated through extremely hot temperatures.
In an interview with Gizmodo, Wang explained that "We need a much, much bigger impact to form a moon according to our study. The giant impact itself should be called extremely giant impact. The amount of energy required isn't even close."
The new data has led Wang and Jacobsen to conclude that the collision which occurred years ago could was so hot and forceful that some of the Earth vaporized. Eventually, when the vapor cooled down, it condensed and formed the Moon.
This has led to the presumption that the solar system could have been a lot more violent and volatile. Wang believes that this discovery changes how scientists view and understand the solar system. The researchers said that they would continue probing the Apollo lunar samples as they believe it holds more secrets waiting to be revealed.
Watch the 1970s theory of the moon's origins below: