Pros:
1. Isotopic signatures: Studies have found similarities in isotopic compositions between Earth and lunar rocks, suggesting a common origin.
2. Lunar rock samples: Apollo missions brought back lunar rocks that show similarities to terrestrial rocks, providing evidence of a shared history.
3. Similar oxygen isotope ratios: The oxygen isotope ratios in lunar samples closely match those found on Earth, supporting the idea of a common formation.
4. Lunar volcanic rocks: The composition of some lunar volcanic rocks is consistent with the presence of material from the early Earth.
5. Lunar magma ocean: The formation of a magma ocean during the moon’s creation could have allowed for the exchange of materials between the Earth and moon.
Cons:
1. Lack of direct evidence: Despite extensive research, there is still no direct evidence to conclusively prove the presence of Earth remnants within the moon.
2. Alternative hypotheses: Some scientists propose alternative explanations for the moon’s formation that don’t involve the incorporation of Earth remnants.
3. Challenges in dating techniques: Dating techniques used to determine the age of lunar samples and establish their connection to Earth have their limitations and uncertainties.
4. Remnant loss due to impact: The giant impact that formed the moon could have resulted in significant loss of Earth material, making it difficult to find conclusive evidence.
5. Differentiation of the moon: The moon’s geological evolution and differentiation might have erased or diluted the traces of Earth remnants, making them harder to detect.
Remember, the existence of Earth remnants within the moon is still a subject of ongoing scientific investigation, and researchers continue to analyze data and develop theories.
context: https://phys.org/news/2023-11-body-collided-earth-moon-recognizable.html
The solar system came into existence roughly 4.57 billion years ago. Soon after, a monumental collision occurred between Earth and a Mars-sized object known as Theia, resulting in the formation of the moon.
