Fact check: Is the moon hollow, or placed there rather than occurring naturally?

1. Summary of the results

1. Summary of the results:

Scientific evidence conclusively shows the Moon is not hollow and formed naturally through a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized body called Theia approximately 4.5 billion years ago. This is supported by multiple lines of evidence, including lunar rock samples matching Earth's composition, seismic data from Apollo missions, and gravity mapping from the Lunar Prospector mission that confirmed the Moon's solid internal structure.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints:

The original question omits several key scientific findings:

• The Moon has a documented internal structure consisting of a thin crust, extensive mantle, and a dense core
• The Moon's moment of inertia factor (0.394 ± 0.002) definitively proves it is a solid body
• The "ringing like a bell" description during moonquakes, often cited by hollow Moon theorists, was actually a metaphorical description of the Moon's unusual seismic properties due to its dryness and rigidity
• While our understanding of the Moon's formation remains "rudimentary" in some aspects, the evidence for its solid structure and natural origin is robust

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement:

The question implies two common conspiracy theories without acknowledging their origins or lack of scientific basis:

• The "Hollow Moon" theory emerged from misinterpreted scientific observations
• The "artificial placement" theory ignores extensive geological evidence of natural formation
• These theories often appear on conspiracy websites and social media, where they gain traction despite lacking scientific merit
• Organizations like NASA and academic institutions, which benefit from continued lunar research funding, have consistently provided evidence against these theories through missions like Apollo and the ongoing Artemis program