Dynamics of Lunar Formation

Abstract

▪ Abstract The giant impact theory is the leading hypothesis for the origin of the Moon. This review focuses on dynamical aspects of an impact-induced lunar formation, in particular those areas that have advanced considerably in the past decade, including (a) late-stage terrestrial accretion, (b) giant impact simulations, (c) protolunar disk evolution and lunar accretion, and (d) the origin of the initial lunar inclination. In all, recent developments now provide a reasonably consistent dynamical account of the origin of the Moon through a late giant impact with Earth, and suggest that the impact-generation of satellites is likely to be a common process in late-stage solid planet formation.