Solar System and Moon Origin Theories
Below are listed various aspects of Nebula Theory and the four main theories for the formation
of the moon. Cut out each element and theory title, and then place the elements under the correct
theory heading. Some theories share similar elements.
Nebula Theory Daughter Theory
Sister Theory
Capture Theory
Impact Theory
1. This theory says the moon was formed elsewhere and wandered near the earth before
it was captured in the earth’s gravity field.
2. This is the most popular theory for the formation of the solar system.
3. This theory says the moon was created after a planet-sized body crashed into the earth
billions of years ago with the moon forming from the debris sent into orbit around
earth.
4. According to this theory, the protostar became a star once nuclear fusion began, turning
hydrogen into helium and releasing much energy in the process.
5. This theory explains the lack of an iron core in the moon.
6. This theory explains the lack of an iron core in the moon.
7. This theory explains the lack of an iron core in the moon.
8. This theory DOES NOT explain the lack of an iron core in the moon.
9. This theory is unpopular because it is too unlikely to happen.
10. This theory says that the GMC collapsed to form a protostar and a planetary disk.
11. This theory has detractors because there is no direct evidence, but it is still the most
popular moon origin theory.
12. This theory predicts a 6-hour day for earth.
13. This theory is the most logical in the absence of any other information about the moon.
14. This theory says the earth and the moon formed at the same time out of the same stuff.
15. This theory says the solar system started out as a Giant Molecular Cloud.
16. This theory says the moon formed when material from the outer layers of the earth
broke away from a fast-spinning earth.