What is the central idea of the MOST compelling theory of the origin of the tilt in Earth's rotation axis?
A) gravitational pull of the Moon's mascons
B) influence of a star passing near the early solar system
C) impact of the Mars-sized body as it ejected the material that formed the Moon
D) random distribution of angular momentum in the primordial solar nebula

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most compelling theory for the tilt in Earth's rotation axis is the giant impact hypothesis, which suggests that a Mars-sized body (often called Theia) collided with the early Earth. This impact not only created the debris that eventually formed the Moon but also significantly altered Earth's tilt, leading to the current 23.5-degree axial tilt. This theory explains both the tilt and the relatively large size of the Moon compared to Earth.

What Is the Central Idea of the MOST Compelling Theory