Introduction to Astronomy July 2024

New Ideas on the Moon’s Formation and its Importance to Life on Earth

How often do you look up at the Moon and think nothing more? Scientists have debated how Earth acquired our unique Moon for years, involving five possibilities. Chris Benton discusses these, including the most widely accepted Giant Impact Hypothesis and its troubling flaws, and reviews new high-resolution simulations that provide solutions. Following this, we will discuss why the Moon’s existence is critical to life on Earth and will forever change the way you appreciate the Moon when looking up!

Enjoy this vital planetary science and astrobiology topic, plus the discussion to follow.