What is a key issue with the Capture Hypothesis in terms of the Moon's origin?

What is a key issue with the Capture Hypothesis in terms of the Moon's origin?

• A. The Moon would have formed with a different atmosphere
• B. The materials of the Moon are too similar to Earth
• C. Capture into its current orbit is improbable
• D. The Moon can’t sustain an orbit around Earth

Answer: (C)

The Capture Hypothesis posits that the Moon was formed elsewhere in the solar system and later captured by Earth's gravity. One of the key issues with this hypothesis is the improbability of such a capture. For an object like the Moon to be successfully captured into a stable orbit around Earth, it would need to lose a significant amount of kinetic energy, which typically requires a specific set of conditions, such as a close encounter with a large body or the influence of another celestial body. In reality, the chances of the Moon being captured without colliding or being ejected back into space are incredibly low due to the dynamic nature of celestial mechanics and gravitational interactions. Additionally, without some form of energy dissipation, such as friction or atmospheric drag—which are not relevant in the vacuum of space—a body of the Moon's size would generally continue on its trajectory rather than being captured. Therefore, the improbability of capture is a significant challenge for this hypothesis regarding the Moon's origin.

The Capture Hypothesis posits that the Moon was formed elsewhere in the solar system and later captured by Earth's gravity. One of the key issues with this hypothesis is the improbability of such a capture. For an object like the Moon to be successfully captured into a stable orbit around Earth, it would need to lose a significant amount of kinetic energy, which typically requires a specific set of conditions, such as a close encounter with a large body or the influence of another celestial body.

In reality, the chances of the Moon being captured without colliding or being ejected back into space are incredibly low due to the dynamic nature of celestial mechanics and gravitational interactions. Additionally, without some form of energy dissipation, such as friction or atmospheric drag—which are not relevant in the vacuum of space—a body of the Moon's size would generally continue on its trajectory rather than being captured. Therefore, the improbability of capture is a significant challenge for this hypothesis regarding the Moon's origin.