Two hypothetical discoveries in Part A deal with moons that, like Earth's moon, are relatively large compared to their planets.
Which of the following best explains why finding 1 planet with such a moon is consistent with the nebular theory, while finding 6 planets with such moons is not consistent?
Unusually large moons form in giant impacts, which are relatively rare events
Explanation:
Solution:
- Finding large moons comparable in size to their planets result from impacts of two astro-bodies. The probability of such an event occurring is very rare.
- Even at the best luck, one moon can be made from the result of giant impact. While the probability of 6 planets having moons of comparable sizes is close to impossible. The transition from an undifferentiated cloud to a star system complete with planets and moons takes about 100 million years.
