Did the Earth have Two Moons?

[kyounge1956]

A new theory suggests the Earth once had a small second moon that perished in a slow motion collision with its "big sister".

Researchers suggest the collision may explain the mysterious mountains on the far side of our Moon.

The researchers involved hope that data from two US space agency (Nasa) lunar missions will substantiate or challenge their theory within the next year.

 

[Telly]

"Did the Earth have Two Moons?"

Absolutely!

One named Keith, the other Sun Myung...

 

[GregLee]

Being an enthusiast for space exploration, I'm trying very hard to care whether Earth once had two moons ... Can't they find more interesting things to look at out there?

 

[ERD50]

Being an enthusiast for space exploration, I'm trying very hard to care whether Earth once had two moons ... Can't they find more interesting things to look at out there?

I find it interesting. I doubt they put all other things on hold to investigate this. It probably came out of other research that was going on.

I recall that as a youngster, I was curious how our moon could always be facing the same side to Earth. It means it is rotating in sync with it's orbit around Earth, and how could that happen for thousands of years? What co-incidence would have it at that rotational speed to begin with?

Seems like it was much later that I learned its mass is 'lop-sided', and that keeps one side pulled towards Earth. I wonder if my kids could explain that? Or what % of the US population could explain that?


-ERD50