Scientists Discover the Moon May Have Formed in Just Five Hours

Researchers from SwRI and the University of Arizona used new SPH simulations to account for material strength and temperature during Earth's collision with Theia for the first time. In some scenarios, a whole Moon forms in about five hours rather than from a debris disk.

• Simulations first account for geological strength and temperature of Earth and Theia
• With initial parameters, a whole Moon forms in about five hours
• Results published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters
• Protostar temperature link may refine timing of impact 4.5 billion years ago