New Theory: Moon Formation & Potential Venus Collision

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In summary, the conversation discusses a potential theory about the formation of the moon, proposing that the Earth's rotation was faster in the past and was impacted by a large object. However, the likelihood of this object being Venus and causing Venus to spin in the opposite direction is extremely unlikely. Additionally, this theory is not new and has been around since the 1970s. The conversation is then closed as personal theories are not allowed on the forum.
  • #1
Adrian07
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I have recently come across a new theory about the formation of the moon. It says that the Earth was rotating faster than it is now and was side-swiped by an object larger than Mars.
Is it possible that object was Venus and the collision caused the Earth to slow down and the rotation of Venus to be reversed thus explaining why Venus spins in the wrong direction.
 
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Extremely unlikely. That would have resulted in an extremely elliptical orbit for Venus, which would have needed to be corrected in order for it to have the orbit we observe today. The chance that the combination of events required to make both of these things happen is very, very unlikely.
 
  • #3
Adrian07 said:
I have recently come across a new theory about the formation of the moon. It says that the Earth was rotating faster than it is now and was side-swiped by an object larger than Mars.
This is neither a theory nor new. It's the giant impact hypothesis, and it has been around since the mid 1970s.

Is it possible that object was Venus and the collision caused the Earth to slow down and the rotation of Venus to be reversed thus explaining why Venus spins in the wrong direction.
No.

This thread is closed. Personal theories are not allowed at PhysicsForums.
 

1. How does this new theory propose the moon was formed?

The new theory suggests that the moon was formed from debris left over after a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized object. This debris then coalesced to form the moon.

2. What evidence supports this new theory?

The new theory is supported by several lines of evidence, including the similarities in composition between Earth and the moon, the angular momentum of the Earth-moon system, and the presence of lunar rocks with a similar isotopic composition to Earth's mantle.

3. How does this theory explain the differences between the Earth and the moon?

The theory suggests that the collision with the Mars-sized object caused the Earth's outer layers to be ejected, leaving behind the denser core. This explains the differences in composition between the Earth and the moon.

4. What is the potential for a collision between Venus and the Earth?

According to this theory, there is a potential for a collision between Venus and the Earth in the early stages of the solar system. However, the chances of this collision actually occurring are very low.

5. How does this new theory impact our understanding of the solar system?

This new theory challenges the traditional belief that the moon was formed from a giant impact between a Mars-sized object and the early Earth. It also provides a new perspective on the early stages of the solar system and the potential for collisions between planets.

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