Formation of the Moon. Image 1 of 4. Artwork first stage in a sequence showing the giant impact theory of the formation of the Moon. This theory says

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Formation of the Moon. Image 1 of 4. Artwork first stage in a sequence showing the giant impact theory of the formation of the Moon. This theory says that an object about the size of Mars (right) collided with the Earth (left) around billion years ago, soon after they both formed. Material from the outer layers of both bodies was thrown into orbit around the Earth, forming a ring. This then coalesced to form the Moon. For the whole sequence, see images R340/853 to R340/856.

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Size: 4986px × 3552px
Photo credit: © RICHARD BIZLEY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: artwork, collision, early, earth, formation, forming, giant, hadean, illustration, impact, lunar, molten, moon, origin, planet, planetary, planets, precambrian, prehistoric, prehistory, protoplanet, protoplanetary, rock, rocky, science, sequence, series, solar, space, system, terran, terrestrial, theory