Did Mars once have a large moon?

Brian G Turner

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Someone has suggested that Mars used to have a moon about a third of the size of our Moon, to explain a range of odd features about the surface of Mars. I have to admit I'm intrigued:

 
Interesting theory. And even more interesting to me is what might have happened to said moon Nerio? I find it more likely it was hit and destroyed than simply wandering away. But with Jupiter hanging around who knows.

Jupiter may have been responsible for the destruction of the theoretical 5th planet that is now the asteroid belt
 
At present the evidence indicates the asteroid belt was never a planet and probably could never have been a planet. The mass of the whole thing is a tiny fraction of Earth's moon. What Jupiter is probably responsible for is creating enough gravitational messiness during its migration to make sure nothing ever really got going in the region where the belt is.
 
Mars attacks Earth with moon.

Resulting impact creates Moon.

News at nine!
 
It was hollowed out by the ancient Martians and converted into an ark to preserve their civilisation when they fled terminal climate change. At that time Earth wasn’t viable, but their descendants may eventually return to visit ‘the old country’.
 

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