Approximately how long did it take for the orbiting debris to form the Moon?
Answer
Decades or centuries
Following the massive ejection of molten and gaseous rock into orbit around the Earth due to the impact, the process of forming the Moon itself was relatively rapid, especially when compared to geological timescales spanning millions or billions of years. Once the debris ring was established in orbit, the process of cooling, condensation, and gravitational accretion—where particles pull themselves together—is estimated to have occurred over a short span. This timeframe is modeled to be as brief as a few decades or perhaps several centuries, resulting in the stabilization of our natural satellite.
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