Current scientific evidence suggests that the moon formed 4.5 billion years ago when a small planet collided with the Earth. This collision ejected molten debris (which coalesced into the moon) and produced a tilt in the Earth's axis. Since that time, the gravitational pull of our lunar satellite has kept the axis tilt in place, ensuring that our seasons unfold in a steady, predictable pattern. Were it not for this stabilizing effect, Earth's axis would wobble, the seasons would have abrupt, unpredictable changes and higher life forms may never have evolved.
Well before the scientific era, man relied on the lunar cycles to mark Earth's seasons. Now, with our advanced technology and ubiquitous calendars, the moon has become more of an aesthetic or romantic symbol for most of us and we take its presence for granted. But our more primitive ancestors knew better: the moon gives us our seasons.
