Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: lunar11 on 23/10/2009 18:43:00

Title: Why do the inner planets lack moons?
Post by: lunar11 on 23/10/2009 18:43:00

All the planets have Moons in the Solar System except Mercury and Venus (nearest planets to the Sun.
Is there a reason for this or is it just a coincidance?
Thanks

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Title: Re: Why do the inner planets lack moons?
Post by: syhprum on 23/10/2009 19:19:30

I think we should also exclude Mars which has two tiny captured satellites.
Earth is a interesting case as it has one very large companion as the result of a collision in its early life.
Basically we can say that none of the four inner planets have any moons dating from the time of their formation.

Title: Re: Why do the inner planets lack moons?
Post by: Vern on 23/10/2009 19:27:15

I wonder if it is that the freshly lit sun blew away the lighter dust and gasses that could coalesce into moons.