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Earth may once have had two moons

Report

This new theory builds on the idea that around four billion years ago the Earth was struck by a Mars-like planet, but instead of the smash producing enough debris¹ for one moon, this paper argues there was enough for two.

This small second moon became stuck in a gravitational tug² of war between the Earth and its much larger sibling³.

After millions of years in this position the new moon was drawn⁴ into a collision at a speed of less than three kilometres per second.

The scientists say this slow paced crash may have caused a build up of material and the formation of highlands on the Moon's far side. 

For decades scientists have been trying to understand why the visible near side of the Moon is covered in craters⁵ while the far side has mountain ranges higher than 3,000 metres.

The researchers hope that Nasa observational missions might prove this new theory within a year.

Matt McGrath, BBC News