Docent Lecture by Santi Roca Fabrega

Docent Lecture September 28:

The Formation of the Moon and How It Affected the Evolution of Life

By Santi Roca Fabrega, Division of Astrophysics, the Department of Physics.

Abstract
The origin of Earth's Moon remains as an actively debated question in planetary science. This lecture will examine current theories of lunar formation, with particular emphasis on the giant-impact hypothesis and recent challenges arising from geochemical and dynamical evidence. We will explore how the Moon influenced the early evolution of the Earth through its effects on planetary rotation, tidal forces, climate stability, and the long-term evolution of the Earth-Moon system. Special attention will be given to the role of tides in shaping coastal environments, nutrient and carbon cycling, and potential pathways for the emergence and diversification of life. By integrating perspectives from planetary science, geology, astronomy, and evolutionary biology, the lecture highlights how a single celestial event may have profoundly influenced the conditions that enabled life to flourish on Earth. This interdisciplinary topic illustrates how advances in one scientific field can reshape understanding across many others.