TED Talks Daily Where did the Moon come from? A new theory | Sarah T. Stewart
Mar 13, 2019
In this insightful conversation, Sarah T. Stewart, a MacArthur 'Genius' and expert in planetary science, shares her groundbreaking theory on the Moon's origin. She discusses her discovery of synestia, a unique astronomical object that could explain the Earth-Moon chemical connection. The podcast dives into experimental simulations revealing surprising isotopic similarities between Earth and the Moon. Stewart's research challenges established theories, offering a fresh perspective on planetary formation and the cosmic events shaping our celestial neighborhood.
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Smashing Planets
- Sarah T. Stewart, a planetary scientist, studies planet formation by smashing them together in lab experiments and computer models.
- This led to a discovery that changed our understanding of Earth and the Moon's formation.
Planetary Twins
- The Earth and Moon share nearly identical isotopic compositions, like twins, indicating they formed from the same material.
- This is unique; no other planetary bodies share this close chemical relationship.
Spinning Impacts
- Simulations of faster spinning giant impacts showed mixed material, but it was statistically unlikely.
- The idea that the Moon's connection to Earth was accidental was difficult to accept.