The Moon has a significant influence on Earth.
The most noticeable one is the rising and falling of tides (although the Sun is also partly responsible for this). But there are other effects that are less noticeable.
For instance, the Moon influences the tilt of Earth’s rotation axis and how fast it wobbles (called ‘precession’).
Without the Moon, that wobble would be greater and would change much more quickly. The result would be much greater differences between the seasons and much greater variation in climate with latitude over evolutionary timescales.
So, without the Moon, it’s probable that life on Earth would have developed and evolved very differently. It may even have not developed at all.
But, while a moon may make life more likely, more diverse or more sustainable on a planet, there’s no reason to suppose one is required for life to develop and evolve.
This article is an answer to the question (asked by Colin Bullen, via email) 'Would a planet need a Moon for life to evolve?'
To submit your questions, email us at questions@sciencefocus.com, or message our Facebook, X, or Instagram pages (don't forget to include your name and location).
Check out our ultimate fun facts page for more mind-blowing science.
Read more:
