Mars (Representative Image: Canva)

A recently proposed hypothesis by Michael Efroimsky, an astronomer at the US Naval Observatory, could shed light on Mars’ strange shape and rugged terrain. In a paper submitted to the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets, Efroimsky speculates that Mars may have once had a much larger moon named Nerio, which significantly influenced the planet’s landscape. This theory, if confirmed, could unravel some of the long-standing mysteries surrounding Mars’ unique geological features.

Nerio’s Gravitational Impact on Mars

One of Mars’ most striking features is the Tharsis bulge, a vast highland region near the equator. Across from this lies Terra Sabaea and Syrtis Major, additional highland areas featuring a large shield volcano. These regions create an imbalance in Mars’ shape, which Efroimsky suggests might be the result of Nerio’s gravitational pull. According to his research, the massive moon may have caused tidal bulges in Mars’ molten surface, much like how Earth’s moon raises tides in our oceans. However, Mars, being smaller, cooled faster, locking these distortions into its crust. The geological processes that followed likely intensified the deformations initially caused by Nerio’s influence.

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The Fate of Nerio and Future Research

The ultimate fate of Nerio remains a mystery. Efroimsky speculates that the moon could have been destroyed in a collision, possibly leaving behind Mars’ two small moons, Phobos and Deimos. Alternatively, it may have been ejected from the solar system due to gravitational interactions with another celestial body. While this hypothesis presents a compelling explanation, Efroimsky acknowledges the need for further evidence. He urges other researchers to investigate the idea and explore ways to confirm the existence of this long-lost moon. If proven, Nerio’s influence could provide valuable insights into the evolution of Mars and the broader solar system.

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