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The Wide Angle: Cosmic Collisions

Discovery Space Special Feature

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moon earth formation collision ejection theory

Cosmic collisions may be rare, but their influence can be mighty. Take, for instance, when a Mars-sized object smacked into a primordial Earth -- an event scientists think led to the formation of the moon. Credit: NASA

The universe is almost entirely filled empty space, but that doesn't stop asteroids, comets, moons, planets, stars, galaxies and more from causing some serious calamity by smashing into one another.

In this Wide Angle, we give you the need-to-know information behind the Discovery Channel's TV series Cosmic Collisions (click for the most recent schedule).

Quiz: Cosmic Collisions
From the mysterious Tunguska blast to massive galaxy mergers, test your knowledge of the universe's greatest smash-ups.
Slide Show: Space Collisions, Big and Small
HowStuffWorks.com rolls through the cosmic collisions that count, from run-ins with Earth to galaxy mergers.
Q&A: Did Life Come From Comets?
Comets are thought to have delivered the oceans to a young Earth, but are asteroids missing some overdue credit?
Blog: Can Life Survive the Big Bang-Up?
'Cosmic' Ray Villard wonders whether life in the Milky Way will have a chance after smashing into another galaxy.
Video: Why? Tell Me Why!: Asteroid and Meteorite
Think you know the difference between an asteroid and a meteorite? Watch this clip.
Puzzle: Space Smashups
Bust these stunning images of big impacts in space, then put the pieces back together.

Discuss the Discovery Channel's Cosmic Collisions series at the Space Disco Blog.

Got something to say? E-mail your questions, comments or concerns to discoveryspace@discovery.com.

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The Wide Angle: Cosmic Collisions

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