The Moon’s gravity stabilizes Earth’s axial tilt. Without it, Earth’s tilt could vary chaotically. That would cause extreme climate swings. Ice ages and heat waves would intensify. Stable seasons allowed complex life to evolve. The Moon quietly enforces balance.
This matters because habitability depends on stability. Life thrives on predictability. The Moon makes Earth friendly.
It also informs exoplanet studies. Moons may be key to life elsewhere. Earth’s setup isn’t random—it’s lucky.
Simulations show Earth’s tilt could vary by over 45 degrees without the Moon. That would devastate ecosystems.
NASA [nasa.gov]