A History of Modern Planetary Physics

More about the book

Focusing on the evolution of astronomical theories, the book delves into the transition from the Chamberlin-Moulton encounter theory to the revitalized nebular hypothesis in the 1930s, aided by nuclear physics advancements. It explores the "giant-impact" theory regarding the Moon's formation, proposing a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized body, which contributed material to the Moon. Professor Brush highlights the significance of Apollo space program findings, particularly lunar sample analysis, culminating in the acceptance of this theory in the 1980s.