Earth gravity kept early moon volcanoes active for billions of years
Scientists propose that Earth's gravitational pull maintained volcanic activity on the Moon until roughly two billion years ago.
Formation and initial cooling
The Moon formed from debris after a protoplanet named Theia collided with early Earth around 4.5 billion years ago. Physics suggests this small body should have cooled rapidly and become geologically dormant shortly after its creation.
Recent volcanic samples found
Material returned from the Chang'e-5 mission showed signs of volcanism occurring only about two billion years ago. This discovery contradicts the expectation that the Moon would have settled down much earlier in its history.
Tidal heating explanation offered
A new paper published in the journal Planet attributes this extended heat to tidal heating from Earth. Researchers believe Earth's gravity kept the early moon's interior hot enough to sustain volcanic eruptions for a long time.
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