Did Venus eat its own moon?
Scientists are investigating the theory that Venus may have once possessed a moon that it eventually consumed. The research suggests that a massive moon would have drained the planet's spin, leading to its eventual destruction and absorption.
Why it matters
Understanding the evolutionary history of Venus helps planetary scientists better comprehend the formation of the solar system and why Earth and Venus developed so differently.
Solar System Venus Did Venus eat its own moon? News By Robert Lea Published 8 September 2026 "An interesting aspect is that a heavier moon is destroyed faster, since a massive moon would drain Venus's spin so efficiently that it hastens its destruction."
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Click for next article a small grey orb explodes while crashing into a larger reddish-brown orb (Image credit: Robert Lea (created by Canva)) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Scientists may finally know why Venus, Earth's twin, lacks a moon, finding that the hottest planet in the solar system may have consumed its own natural satellite.
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