[Writing]Theories on the formation of Minmus

[Meritania]

Theories on the formation of Minmus

A human perspective on the Kerbin System

The planet Kerbin in the Kerbol System has long been of interest to planetary astronomers. The planet is the most likely candidate for intelligent life beyond Earth. While much smaller than Earth, the planet has similar gases and gravity and more amazingly of all, abnormal radio band transmissions for a planetary object.

This paper however finds interest in the moons of Kerbin. The closest object to the planet is 'Mun'. This object is suspected to be similar to Earth's moon. More bizarrely is the highest orbiting moon, Minmus, a celestial body similar to that of Europa in orbit around Jupiter.

Minmus itself seems to be an anomaly and it is the aim of this paper to discuss the theories to the formation on Minmus.

Planetary Collision

Similar to the formation of Earth's Moon and Mun, this theory suggests that a planetary collision between Kerbin and another object formed both moons.

Kerbin however, due to the smaller gravity of the planet, caused a wide spread debris field which coalesced into two moons. The denser materials, such as silicates & metalic oxides, formed Mun in lower orbit and the lighter materials such as water & methane formed Minmus in a higher orbit.

Comet capture

This theory suggests that Minmus was once a comet from the dwarf planet cloud of Kerbol's outer system. The comet was then captured from its irregular solar orbit by Kerbin. Protected in Kerbins magnetic field, Minmus lost its tail as it was protected from Kerbol's radiation.

Minmus shows signs of glaciation which suggests the moon was once warm enough for the ice to form water and liquid methane in order for it freeze as a smooth surface. This could because Minmus was previously much closer to Kerbol.

Planetary capture

This theory suggests Minmus formed as a planet on its own close to Kerbin's orbit however as Kerbin grew, the heavier materials were more attracted to the larger planet. The gravity of Kerbin could have also ripped Minmus apart several times over, leading to Minmus's distorted shape and eventually incorporating the failed planet into the Kerbin system as a moon.

The orbit of Minmus being not along the orbital plane with the planet suggests it is highly likely the moon was captured and not formed in the Kerbin system.

The Geography of Minmas

The major difference with Europa is while the ice moon in our system is close to Jupiter. The gravitational tides of which cause the moon to have a molten core, which could very well warm an ocean of water under the ice, which very well may support life. Minmus is too far from Kerbin and too small to have an active core and appears inert.

The Ice Oceans however could be subject to tidal friction, either from the gravity of Kerbin or solar radiation during the day cycles. The expanding and contracting ice against the shore rock causes weathering and gives the ice oceans their distinct canyons.

Finding evidence to support the theories will provide difficult at this distance. Maybe the Kerbins have discovered the answer and will one day share their secrets...