mysteries

Did Mars Steal Its Moons Only to Lose Them Again?

Mars’ Moons: Potato-Shaped Relics on Borrowed Time

Did Mars Steal Its Moons Only to Lose Them Again?

Mars has two tiny moons named Phobos and Deimos. These moons are pretty small compared to Mars or even our Moon. If you think of their surface area, they’re about the size of some of the smallest places on Earth, like Luxembourg and Malta. Despite their size, they aren’t lightweights. However, their gravitational pull is too weak to shape them into spheres, so they end up looking more like giant potatoes.

The leading theory about their origin is quite fascinating. It’s believed that Phobos and Deimos were once part of the asteroid belt. But then, Jupiter’s massive gravity sent them flying, allowing Mars to catch them.

Phobos is the closer of the two, orbiting Mars at about 9,400 kilometers. It takes just seven and a half hours to complete one orbit. But Phobos is on a dangerous journey, getting closer to Mars by two meters every year. In 50 to 100 million years, Phobos might be torn apart by Mars’ gravity, turning into a beautiful ring around the planet. Alternatively, it could crash into Mars, releasing energy that could devastate any life there. If there are humans on Mars by then, they’ll need some pretty solid bunkers.

Deimos, the smaller moon, has a different fate. It’s slowly moving away from Mars. Eventually, Deimos will break free from Mars’ gravity and drift off into space, leaving Mars without a moon. In a few hundred million years, Mars might be all alone unless it captures another wandering asteroid.



Similar Posts
Blog Image
Quantum Memory: How Our Shared Experiences Shape Evolution and Future Life

Quantum Morphic Field Theory: How collective memories shape evolution. Explore this mind-bending concept that challenges traditional views on inheritance and species development.

Blog Image
Did I Really See the Afterlife or Just Hit Snooze on Reality?

Awakening Beyond: Stories and Science of Near-Death Experiences

Blog Image
Roopkund Lake Mystery: Why Ancient Mediterranean and Asian Skeletons Keep Appearing in Himalayan Waters

Discover the chilling mystery of Roopkund Lake in the Indian Himalayas, where ancient skeletons from different continents and centuries emerge each summer. Learn about the DNA evidence, legends, and theories behind this haunting high-altitude puzzle that continues to baffle scientists and historians alike.

Blog Image
What Happens When We See the Universe as a Cosmic Lego Set?

The Cosmic Symphony: Tiny Particles Dancing to the Melody of Universal Forces

Blog Image
Unveiling the Deadly Elegance: India's Ancient Weapons and Their Modern Marvels

Ancient Indian weapons like the chakram and Talwar showcase innovative design and historical significance, now revived in modern strength and sharpness tests.

Blog Image
The Black Knight Satellite: Alien Probe or Just Space Debris?

The Black Knight Satellite myth blends misinterpreted signals, space debris, and conspiracy theories. It reflects our fascination with space mysteries and desire for extraterrestrial contact, despite scientific explanations debunking the legend.