Ep 7. Mysterious Birth of the Moon
- TV-NR
- April 24, 2014
- 50 min
In Secrets of the Universe season 1 episode 7, entitled "Mysterious Birth of the Moon," viewers are taken on a journey to explore one of the most enduring mysteries of our solar system: how did the moon come to be?
Scientists have long puzzled over the origin of Earth's constant companion. The prevailing theory states that a Mars-sized object collided with the young Earth some 4.5 billion years ago, flinging debris into space that later coalesced to form the moon.
But as experts delve deeper into the data, other possibilities come to light. Could the moon have formed from leftover material from the early solar system? Or did it come about through a series of smaller impacts, rather than a single catastrophic collision?
Through stunning CGI animations and insights from leading astrophysicists and geologists, this episode explores the latest theories about the moon's birth, and how they could potentially reshape our understanding of the early solar system.
The episode also delves into the implications of the moon's origins for life on Earth. For instance, a moon formed from leftover planetary material would have different chemical compositions from one resulting from a collision. This would impact the moon's gravitational pull and affect its effect on Earth's tides.
Ultimately, "Mysterious Birth of the Moon" takes viewers on an unforgettable journey of discovery, shedding new light on one of the most enigmatic and awe-inspiring luminary objects in our sky.