It's a satellite!

Watch: Stunning visualizations reveal the Moon's violent birth

Scientists visualize how Earth’s satellite sloshed into existence.

A long streak of matter swirls from the Earth after a powerful collision
Dr Jacob Kegerreis

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Though it lacks an atmosphere and can’t sustain life, the Moon still has a lot in common with Earth.

The two celestial bodies have an interconnected origin story — one that researchers are still trying to unravel.

Rocks on the Moon and Earth are often similar in their mineral compositions, meaning that both bodies were likely part of the same ancient space object.

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