What does this research mean for the field?

The Moon formed via an entirely internal mechanism called the Triple Phase Transition, driven by iron-nickel segregation and elliptical parametric resonance within a rapidly rotating Hadean proto-Earth. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The central aim is to explain the Moon's origin through the internal mechanisms of the Hadean proto-Earth using a Triple Phase Transition framework.

May 30, 2026Open Access

Lunar Formation by Triple Phase Transition in the Differentiating Proto-Earth

Key Points

The central aim is to explain the Moon's origin through the internal mechanisms of the Hadean proto-Earth using a Triple Phase Transition framework.
Developed a theoretical model based on thermodynamic principles and gravitational energy dynamics
Analyzed the progression of Fe-Ni segregation and its impact on magma flow and rotation
Predicted seismic interface characteristics for validation with future lunar missions (Chang'e 7, Artemis III)
Predicted a seismic interface at depths of 200-315 km with an impedance contrast of 0.01 to 0.04
Forecasted 2 to 3 ejection episodes during lunar formation within 3 to 4 weeks after a rapid rise to bifurcation velocity
Identified a Hadean dynamo delay of 290–360 million years, aligning with observational lunar data.

Abstract

This document presents a theoretical framework for the origin of the Moon, based on an entirely internal mechanism operating within the Hadean proto-Earth: the Triple Phase Transition (TPT). The starting point is thermodynamic and non-negotiable: the gravitational energy released during terrestrial accretion exceeds the silicate mantle fusion energy by a factor of 155. The proto-Earth is therefore necessarily a rapidly rotating magma sphere (Tᵣot ≈ 5 h), without a stabilizing satellite, evolving in a permanently out-of-equilibrium Hadean environment. The unique driving force is the progressive segregation of Fe-Ni, which orchestrates three coupled regime transitions — rheological, mechanical, and magnetic. The chaotic wobble of the rotation axis in the co-rotating body frame — defined perpendicular to the instantaneous rotation axis, not to the geographic equator — sustained by continuous Hadean perturbations, generates toroidal flows entering elliptical parametric resonance with the inertial modes of the fluid (Malkus 1968; Kerswell 2002; Lacaze et al. 2004). The resulting growth rate brings the Coherent Magmatic Torus (CMT) to bifurcation velocity in ≈ 32 hours, producing 2 to 3 cohesive ejection episodes in 3 to 4 weeks and a Hadean dynamo delay of 290–360 Myr. Version 4. 0 updates: MTMC internally constrained from the observed radius of the first accretion layer (R₁ ≈ 1, 560 km → MTMC ≈ 2. 3 × 10²² kg) τStokes ≈ 257 s fully derived (Appendix E) — resolves the apparent paradox between 3–4 week formation and 40 Myr segregation New prediction P3b: independent observational convergence between Lunar Prospector Fe data and TPT layer 1 stratigraphy SPA references updated: Schultz 0. 04] — is testable by Chang'e 7 (lunar south pole, August 2026) and Artemis III (2028–2029). This deposit registers the theory and its predictions prior to the data from these missions. A interactive WebGL is available to this link: https: //orion4622. github. io/moon-formation-triple-phase-transition

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