In the most detailed supercomputer simulation yet , an substitute possibility has been proposed surrounding how ourMoonwas first form . Conducted by researchers from Durham University ’s Institute for Computational Cosmology , the simulation suggestsEarth ’s collision with Theia4.5 billion year ago may not have been the causal agency of the Moon ’s formation .

late simulation have suggest that the collision with the Mars - sized celestial objective , Theia , do a large amount of detritus to become immobilise in Earth ’s orbit . Over clip , this debris band was cerebrate to have easy combine into one large mass , our Moon .

This example , however , comes into question when looking at the geologic opus of the Moon ’s open . Lunar rocks returned from the Apollo mission have a similar isotopic composition as Earth ’s mantle . Simulations of the hit with Theia , however , evoke that an impact of that nature would make the majority of debris to start from Theia , not Earth . Under this model , the Moon share an isotopic composition with Earth is discrepant .

The team used an open - origin simulation code to run 100 of different impact scenarios . By altering the angle , f number , stack , and revolution of the two objects , they were able-bodied to detect which scenarios fit the report of our Moon ’s establishment closelipped , concluding that immediate formation following a giant wallop might be the most likely .

" This opens up a whole new reach of potential start places for the Moon ’s evolution , " Jacob Kegerreis , lead investigator of the discipline , say in astatement .   " We went into this projection not knowing incisively what the outcomes of these very gamy - firmness of purpose simulations would be . So , on top of the big eye - unfastener that standard result can give you wrong answer , it was extra exciting that the new termination could include a tantalizingly Moon - similar satellite in electron orbit . "

This straightaway - orbiter theory implies an entirely different internal construction to our Moon and could propel new lines of investigation into the inner working of our satellite ’s trusty satellite .

The cogitation is published inAstrophysical Journal Letters .