Evolving Theories on the Origin of the Moon

This book follows the development of research on the origin of the Moon from the late 18th century to the present. By gathering together the major texts, papers, and events of the time, it provides a thorough chronicle of the paradigmatic shift in planetary science that arose from the notion that the Earth-Moon system was formed from two colliding planetary bodies.The book covers pre-Apollo ideas, the conceptual evolution during and subsequent to the Apollo explorations of the Moon, and the development of the Earth-Moon system consensus.A plethora of excerpts from key publications are included to demonstrate the shift in scientific focus over the centuries.Through its comprehensive review of lunar science research and literature, this book shows how new technologies and discoveries catalyzed the community and revolutionized our understanding of the Moon’s formation.

“I enjoyed this book greatly. It is well-written, well-illustrated, detailed, thorough, and aimed accurately at a postgraduate level.” (David W. Hughes, The Observatory, Vol. 140 (1278), October, 2020)

Dr. David Cummings graduated from Rice University with a BS in Physics in 1963 and a PhD in Space Science in 1966. In the fall of 1966, he joined UCLA as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Planetary and Space Science.  In 1969, he was named Head of the Physics Department at Grambling College (later Grambling State University) in Louisiana.  In 1976, he became the Executive Director of the Universities Space Research Association (USRA). In this capacity he was the Chief Operating Officer for USRA for thirty years. He remains at USRA as Senior Advisor and (as of 1 October 2018) Historian.