(Representative Image: Canva)

For nearly 40 years, scientists believed a massive collision formed the Moon. This theory suggested debris from Earth created our satellite. However, a recent study proposes a different idea. Researchers now think the Moon might be an external body captured by Earth's gravity.

The Apollo missions provided invaluable lunar samples. Between 1969 and 1972, astronauts collected over 800 pounds of lunar rock and soil. Analyses revealed these materials share similarities with Earth's composition. Scientists believe our Moon formed 60 million years after the solar system's birth.

At the Kona Conference in 1984, scientists concluded otherwise. They argued the Moon resulted from a collision with a young Earth. However, two Penn State researchers now challenge this narrative. Darren Williams and Michael Zugger published their findings in The Planetary Science Journal.

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They propose the Moon was once part of a binary system. When this system approached Earth, our planet captured one body. The other rocky object was repelled into space. Williams stated, "The Kona Conference set the narrative for 40 years." He and Zugger believe their findings raise more questions.

Why the Moon Likely Originated Elsewhere

The researchers propose a binary-exchange capture theory. They suggest Earth's gravity separated the binary system and captured one body. This captured body became our Moon.

To support their theory, Williams and Zugger point to Triton. Neptune's largest moon likely came from the Kuiper Belt. They believe it was also a binary system pulled into orbit.

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Additionally, the researchers say the Moon's orbit evolved. Initially, it was an elongated ellipse, not a circle. Over time, extreme tides changed its shape and size. Their calculations indicate that the Moon's orbit has contracted over thousands of years, becoming more circular.

This new perspective on the Moon's origin may reshape our understanding of lunar science. Further research is necessary to validate these findings.