A long-lost moon could explain Mars' weird shape and extreme terrain

image via Space.com

September 10, 2024, 2:00 PM

• •A long-lost moon could explain why Mars is so different from the other rocky planets in the solar system.
• •Mars hosts some of the most extreme terrain in the solar system, including the largest canyon, the tallest mountain and the greatest highland region.
• •Efroimsky has called on other researchers to evaluate the idea and consider whether there are clever ways to look for evidence of this lost moon.

A long-lost moon could explain why Mars is so different from the other rocky planets in the solar system. Today, Mars has two tiny moons. But early in its history, the Red Planet may have had a much larger moon, which might be responsible for Mars' weird shape and extreme terrain.

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