About this episode
This episode explores the origins of the Moon and its implications for Earth's water sources.
Earth didn’t always have a moon. In the beginning of the solar system, when the planets were still forming, something happened that would change Earth’s night sky forever: The Moon was created! How did it happen? This episode, co-host Regina G. Barber searches for answers with planetary scientists. With co-host Emily Kwong, they discuss how the moon was likely made, how scientists know and what that might mean for where Earth’s water came from. Check out Regina's reporting on hydrothermal vents . Interested in more planetary science? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org . Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave . A previous version of this episode mischaracterized a scientific hypothesis. The episode incorrectly said the idea is that hydrothermal vents may have been the origin of water on Earth. In fact, the hypothesis is that life may have come from hydrothermal vents. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy Policy
People in this episode
Hosts: Regina G. Barber, Emily Kwong
Topics covered
- moon origin
- planetary science
- Earth's water
- hydrothermal vents
- solar system formation
Keywords
- moon
- Earth
- planetary scientists
- hydrothermal vents
- solar system
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: NPR
Books & works: Short Wave
Places: Earth, solar system
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