Original scientific paper
Where the Moon was born?
Antun Rubčić
; Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Zagreb, Bijenička c. 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Jasna Rubčić
; Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Zagreb, Bijenička c. 32, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Our hypothesis is based on the distribution of approximately circular orbits for terrestrial planets, given by the square law rn=r1 n2, where n's are successive integers starting with n=3 for Mercury, reaching n=6 for Mars and n=8 for Ceres, and r1 is a constant. Quadratic distribution of orbits is a direct consequence of quantized specific angular momentum. An analysis of the planetary masses, volumes and orbital periods of terrestrial planets, as independent observable parameters, makes possible the statement that the orbit with n=7, between Mars and Ceres was the primordial orbit of the Moon. This statement favours a capture theory of the Moon by the Earth. But why the Moon abandoned its orbit and was captured by the Earth remains a problem for further investigation.
Keywords
terrestrial planets; quadratic distribution of orbits; planetary masses; volumes and orbital periods; primordial orbit of the Moon; capture theory
Hrčak ID:
302730
URI
Publication date:
1.9.2009.
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