Almost the last word.

This article discusses the impact hypothesis for the formation of the moon and its implications for life on Earth. According to the hypothesis, a Mars-sized planet called Theia collided with proto-Earth, resulting in the formation of the moon. Without the moon, Earth would be bigger and have a different mass. The moon's presence is believed to have played a role in the development of life on Earth, particularly through its influence on tides. However, there are other factors that make life possible on Earth, such as the presence of liquid water and a strong gravitational field. The article also explores the potential effects of a less massive Earth on the escape of gases from the atmosphere. Overall, the article presents different perspectives on the importance of the moon for life on Earth and raises questions about the origins of life and the future of our planet. [Extracted from the article]