The three most prominent theories are:
1. Giant-impact hypothesis (also known as the "Big Splash"): This is the most widely accepted theory. It posits that a Mars-sized object called Theia collided with Earth, sending debris into orbit, which eventually coalesced to form the Moon.
2. Capture theory: This theory suggests that the Moon formed elsewhere in the solar system and was later captured by Earth's gravity.
3. Co-formation theory: This theory proposes that the Moon and Earth formed at the same time from the same protoplanetary disk.
Which of these is *not* a theory?
It's important to note that the capture theory is considered less likely by most scientists due to the difficulty of capturing an object of the Moon's size.
So, while not technically incorrect, the capture theory is not considered one of the primary three theories of Moon formation.
