Which of these theories is now considered to be the MOST likely for the formation of the Moon?
A) fission theory, in which a passing planetesimal body pulled material out of the still-molten Earth and left it in orbit to form the present-day Moon
B) co-creation theory, in which Earth and the Moon were formed at the same time out of the same material
C) capture theory, in which Earth's gravity drew the Moon into orbit around it
D) collision-ejection theory, where an interplanetary collision or collisions knocked material into orbit around Earth that eventually formed into the present-day Moon

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The collision-ejection theory, also known as the giant-impact hypothesis, is currently the most widely accepted explanation for the formation of the Moon. This theory suggests that the Moon formed from debris ejected into Earth's orbit following a collision with a Mars-sized body.

Which of These Theories Is Now Considered to Be the MOST