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Modification of a proto-lunar disk by hydrodynamic escape of silicate vapor

Abstract

We have estimated a criterion for escape of silicate vapor from the disk formed by a giant impact. Escape from the disk affects the mass distribution and specific angular momentum of the disk. We applied the results to the disk formed by the Moon-forming impact. In the case of a hot (>6000 K) and highly vaporized (>63%) disk, the material outside of the Roche radius escapes. This indicates that the formation of the Moon is influenced by the thermal state of the disk just after the giant impact.

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Correspondence to Hidenori Genda.

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Genda, H., Abe, Y. Modification of a proto-lunar disk by hydrodynamic escape of silicate vapor. Earth Planet Sp 55, 53–57 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03352462

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03352462

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