Introduction
The Chinese have always involved the moon in their paintings and poetry. Despite various trials by scientists to reach the moon, there has been opposition in concluding on whether the moon is just a plenary object or was originally part of the planet earth (Derbakow 37). This essay shall discuss some of the theories about the moon. We shall then find out whether this object is part of earth.
The moon
The moon is the earth’s only satellite, about 400,000 km from the earth. It is the only space object aside from earth on which man has set foot (Williams Para. 1). Man has since 1960s tried to determine life support on the moon but it is still unconfirmed. The US intends to return to the moon before 2020 (Roach para.2).
Theories
Several theories have been advanced by scientists to explain this. One such theory is the fission theory. It states that the earth split and some of its particles recollected forming the moon. There was a substantial amount of motion that caused the particles to eject from the earthly surface the way mud does from a spinning wheel. De Young (176) rejects this in that the earth does not have sufficient circular movement to cause a split. The gravitational pull within the earth’s surface would have crushed all the particles to form dust, not an object. Other theories propose a possible condensation of dust from the space resulting in the moon although they fail to show how dust would have gained such density to regroup.
The capture theory shows that the earth might have trapped another heavenly body orbiting near her gravitational force. From there, the moon became an automatic satellite. Although this theory shows how the moon came between the earth and the sun, De Young (176) still opposes it on grounds that it doesn’t show how the moon was formed. Many people seem to agree on condensation as these have been witnessed in other materials like water in which many droplets can regroup to form solid ice. Perhaps by re-landing on the moon, a more complacent explanation might come forth.
The Holy Bible however, says the moon was created by God spontaneously and it came from nothing (Ps.33:6 and Heb.11:3). In this, we note that man might have considered the moon as a creature created in a natural way just like Him. The search for more explanation may have resulted from the disbelief in creation.
Why should there be so much concern about the moon? Many societies use it for social reasons. When human beings tried to manage their own sexuality, many incorporated the moon into their culture. Most people used the moon to calculate their menstrual cycle. This would help to regulate their sexual behavior in ways that will not interfere with reproduction. Most societies considered sexual affairs with women in menses a taboo so the moon aided in determining when to have sex. The moon’s cycle was used to measure the length of menses (Knight 66).
Conclusion
Whether the moon is part of earth or not depends on one’s culture. We have seen the cultural association of man with the moon. The use of the moon in many earthly religions and cultures is proof that it is part of people’s lives. The moon has always been part of the earth; its monthly cycle has affected the earth’s physical properties like the sea tides. Looking at this confirms that indeed, the moon may be away from the earth’s surface but it influences life on earth. This can never be an alien stranger!
Works Cited
Daberkow, Ricarda. “Of Moon and Man: a Close Look at Chinese Landscape Painting.” IIANesletter. 30(2003):37. 2009. Web.
De Young, Donald B. Astronomy and the Bible: Questions and Answers. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books.
Knight, Chris. Blood Relations: Menstrual and Origins of Culture. New York: Yale University. 1991.
Roach, John. “NASA Aims for Moon by 2018, Unveils Ship. National Geographic.” 2009. Web.
Williams, David R. “Moon Fact Sheet.” 2006. Web.