A New Idea for the Origin of Earth's Water

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SUMMARY

The discussion presents a hypothesis that the Moon was originally a rocky terrestrial planet that lost its lighter volatiles, including water, during the T-Tauri phase of the Sun's evolution. It asserts that all terrestrial planets within 1.5 AU experienced similar volatile losses due to solar winds. The author references Isaac Asimov's book "Asimov on Astronomy" (1974), specifically the chapter 'Just Mooning Around', which argues that the Moon exhibits unique gravitational interactions with Earth and the Sun, supporting the idea that it is a terrestrial planet. The hypothesis challenges the need for a rogue planet impact theory for the Moon's formation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the T-Tauri phase of stellar evolution
  • Familiarity with gravitational interactions in celestial mechanics
  • Knowledge of the solar system's structure and planetary formation
  • Awareness of Isaac Asimov's contributions to astronomy
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the T-Tauri phase and its effects on planetary atmospheres
  • Explore gravitational dynamics between celestial bodies
  • Read "Asimov on Astronomy" by Isaac Asimov for insights on lunar theories
  • Investigate alternative hypotheses regarding the Moon's origin and formation
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, planetary scientists, and anyone interested in alternative theories of lunar formation and the dynamics of the Earth-Moon system.

dougettinger
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TL;DR
I wish to explore a new hypothesis for the origin of Earth's water. This new concept is complicated having many phases. I will break down these phases and explain them one at a time.
Simply stated the Earth's original orbit was between Mars and Jupiter close the the 'snow line' thereby having the ability to condense water on its newly forming crust.
A sample of the best consensus hypothesis that I will refute is (https://ui.adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/1991Icar...92...2P)
I will begin with the concept that the Moon was originally a rocky terrestrial planet that orbited at roughly one AU from the Sun and lost the majority of its lighter volatiles including water during the T-Tauri phase of the Sun's transition into a Main-Sequence yellow dwarf star. A similar loss of volatiles eventually occurred for all the other terrestrial planets within 1.5 AU due to the hot solar winds. A unique capture mode between Earth and Moon will occur in which these two planets, one bringing water, will share the same orbit after the Sun surrounding region becomes cooler.
I now refer you to a book, "Asimov on Astronomy" by Isaac Asimov published in 1974. In his chapter, 'Just Mooning Around' he provides compelling evidence of why the Moon is another terrestrial planet. Among some of his more important reasons are the gravitational pull between the parent planet and the Sun. The gravitational pull is greater for the Sun than it is for the parent planet for only one satellite in the solar system and that is Earth's Moon. Another amazing revelation is that the Moon's orbit is everywhere concave about the Sun unlike all the other satellites in the solar system. In my hypothesis, there is no need for a rogue planet to strike Earth and be slowed enough to begin re-coalescing and orbit Earth.
I welcome any ideas or dialogue about this 'outside-the-box' thinking. I will explain next how Earth finds a closer orbit.
By Doug Ettinger
 
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New theories and alternative hypotheses must be published in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal before they can be discussed at PhysicsForums.

This thread is closed... but threads discussing some of the many unusual and interesting properties of the earth/moon system will be welcome.
 
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