Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Zach Rodriguez on 01/06/2008 11:15:55

Title: If two planets collided, what would happen?
Post by: Zach Rodriguez on 01/06/2008 11:15:55

Zach Rodriguez asked the Naked Scientists:

Hey Chris,

I was just wanted to ask a question. What if planets collided? Thank you,
   
Zach Rodriguez

What do you think?

Title: If two planets collided, what would happen?
Post by: DoctorBeaver on 01/06/2008 11:18:53

That would depend very much on the mass of each planet and the angle of collision.

2 planets of equal mass colliding head on would probably cause both to break up. A glancing blow would probably not be so drastic.

It is hypothesised (with good reason) the the Moon is the result of a collision between the Earth and a Mars-sized planet.