Mars has two moons, Phobos and Deimos, can have originate from the debris of an asteroid torn apart by the planet’s gravity, according to recent simulations. Research publish in Icarus suggests this scenario can explain the unique features of these moons, which differ significantly from typical spherical moons seen in the solar system.
The potato-like shapes and circular equatorial orbits of these moons have long puzzle scientists, prompting new theories on their formation.
Two primary theories have dominate the discussion on how these moons form.
One posits that they are asteroids capture by Mars gravitational pull.
But, this hypothesis fails to account for their stable, near-circular orbits.
The second theory suggests that Phobos and Deimos may have form from debris after a massive collision involving Mars.
Jacob Kegerreis, a planetary scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center, believes a hybrid scenario can provide a plausible answer.
Jacob Kegerreis and his team propose that an asteroid may have capture by Mars gravity but was then torn apart, creating a ring of debris.
Over time, this material can have coalesce to form the moons, inheriting the circular orbits observe today.
Hundreds of supercomputer simulations were conduct to test the hypothesis.
By varying the asteroid’s size, speed, and spin, researchers observe that rings of debris consistently formed under certain conditions.
Jacob Kegerreis explain that they saw material capable of forming a disk across different scenarios.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Mars Moons Exploration mission, set for launch in 2026, aims to gather material from Phobos.
This analysis can determine whether the moons share a composition with Mars, supporting the collision theory, or resemble asteroids with water-rich compounds, backing the shred asteroid hypothesis.
Findings from this mission may shed light on Mars’ moons and help understand moon formation around exoplanets, broadening our understanding of planetary systems.
