Realistic Outcomes of Moon–Moon Collisions in Lunar Formation Theory
The multiple impact hypothesis proposes that the Moon formed through a series of smaller collisions, rather than a single giant impact. This study advances our understanding of this hypothesis, as well as moon collisions in other contexts, by exploring the implications of these smaller impacts, empl...
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IOP Publishing
2024-01-01
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| Series: | The Astrophysical Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad8d52 |
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| author | Uri Malamud Hagai B. Perets |
| author_facet | Uri Malamud Hagai B. Perets |
| author_sort | Uri Malamud |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The multiple impact hypothesis proposes that the Moon formed through a series of smaller collisions, rather than a single giant impact. This study advances our understanding of this hypothesis, as well as moon collisions in other contexts, by exploring the implications of these smaller impacts, employing a novel methodological approach that combines self-consistent initial conditions, hybrid hydrodynamic/ N -body simulations, and the incorporation of material strength. Our findings challenge the conventional assumption of perfect mergers in previous models, revealing a spectrum of collision outcomes including partial accretion and mass loss. These outcomes are sensitive to collision parameters and the Earth’s tidal influence, underscoring the complex dynamics of lunar accretion. Importantly, we demonstrate that incorporating material strength is important for accurately simulating moonlet-sized impacts. This inclusion significantly affects fragmentation, tidal disruption, and the amount of material ejected or accreted onto the Earth, ultimately impacting the Moon’s growth trajectory. By accurately modeling diverse collision outcomes, our hybrid approach provides a powerful new framework for understanding the Moon’s formation. We show that most collisions (≈90%) do not significantly erode the largest moonlet, supporting the feasibility of lunar growth through accretion. Moreover, we revise previous estimates of satellite disruption, suggesting a higher survival rate and further bolstering the multiple-impact scenario. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d10262f3c76a4a00958fb2cabfdcbf24 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 1538-4357 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-01-01 |
| publisher | IOP Publishing |
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| series | The Astrophysical Journal |
| spelling | doaj-art-d10262f3c76a4a00958fb2cabfdcbf242025-08-20T02:50:23ZengIOP PublishingThe Astrophysical Journal1538-43572024-01-01977219310.3847/1538-4357/ad8d52Realistic Outcomes of Moon–Moon Collisions in Lunar Formation TheoryUri Malamud0Hagai B. Perets1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5004-199XDepartment of Physics, Technion Israel Institute of Technology , Israel ; urimala@physics.technion.ac.ilDepartment of Physics, Technion Israel Institute of Technology , Israel ; urimala@physics.technion.ac.il; Department of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Israel , 1 University Road, P.O. Box 808, Raanana 4353701, IsraelThe multiple impact hypothesis proposes that the Moon formed through a series of smaller collisions, rather than a single giant impact. This study advances our understanding of this hypothesis, as well as moon collisions in other contexts, by exploring the implications of these smaller impacts, employing a novel methodological approach that combines self-consistent initial conditions, hybrid hydrodynamic/ N -body simulations, and the incorporation of material strength. Our findings challenge the conventional assumption of perfect mergers in previous models, revealing a spectrum of collision outcomes including partial accretion and mass loss. These outcomes are sensitive to collision parameters and the Earth’s tidal influence, underscoring the complex dynamics of lunar accretion. Importantly, we demonstrate that incorporating material strength is important for accurately simulating moonlet-sized impacts. This inclusion significantly affects fragmentation, tidal disruption, and the amount of material ejected or accreted onto the Earth, ultimately impacting the Moon’s growth trajectory. By accurately modeling diverse collision outcomes, our hybrid approach provides a powerful new framework for understanding the Moon’s formation. We show that most collisions (≈90%) do not significantly erode the largest moonlet, supporting the feasibility of lunar growth through accretion. Moreover, we revise previous estimates of satellite disruption, suggesting a higher survival rate and further bolstering the multiple-impact scenario.https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad8d52The MoonEarth-moon systemSolar system astronomyPlanet formationHydrodynamical simulationsN-body simulations |
| spellingShingle | Uri Malamud Hagai B. Perets Realistic Outcomes of Moon–Moon Collisions in Lunar Formation Theory The Astrophysical Journal The Moon Earth-moon system Solar system astronomy Planet formation Hydrodynamical simulations N-body simulations |
| title | Realistic Outcomes of Moon–Moon Collisions in Lunar Formation Theory |
| title_full | Realistic Outcomes of Moon–Moon Collisions in Lunar Formation Theory |
| title_fullStr | Realistic Outcomes of Moon–Moon Collisions in Lunar Formation Theory |
| title_full_unstemmed | Realistic Outcomes of Moon–Moon Collisions in Lunar Formation Theory |
| title_short | Realistic Outcomes of Moon–Moon Collisions in Lunar Formation Theory |
| title_sort | realistic outcomes of moon moon collisions in lunar formation theory |
| topic | The Moon Earth-moon system Solar system astronomy Planet formation Hydrodynamical simulations N-body simulations |
| url | https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357/ad8d52 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT urimalamud realisticoutcomesofmoonmooncollisionsinlunarformationtheory AT hagaibperets realisticoutcomesofmoonmooncollisionsinlunarformationtheory |