Astrophysics:
* Origin of the Moon: He proposed the giant impact hypothesis, which suggests that the Moon formed from debris ejected after a Mars-sized object collided with the early Earth. This theory is widely accepted today.
* Origin of the Solar System: He challenged the prevailing nebular hypothesis, arguing that the Sun and planets formed from a spinning disk of gas and dust.
* Pulsar Emission: He proposed that pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars, emitting radio waves as they spin. This idea revolutionized our understanding of these celestial objects.
Geophysics:
* Abiogenic Petroleum Theory: Gold famously argued that oil and natural gas are not formed from the decomposition of organic matter, but rather from deep within the Earth's mantle, a theory that remains highly controversial.
* Geoscience Research: He made significant contributions to the understanding of the Earth's interior, plate tectonics, and the dynamics of the Earth's crust.
Other Notable Contributions:
* Gold Medal of the Royal Astronomical Society: He was awarded this prestigious honor in 1974 for his groundbreaking contributions to astrophysics.
* Professor of Astronomy at Cornell University: He held this position for over three decades, mentoring numerous students and contributing significantly to the field of astrophysics.
* Author of several books and publications: He wrote prolifically on topics ranging from the origin of the Universe to the evolution of life on Earth.
Overall, Thomas Gold's legacy lies in his innovative thinking, his willingness to challenge established theories, and his enduring contributions to our understanding of the cosmos and the planet we inhabit.