Could it have been possible for the Moon to be split without any observable effect on Earth? Before asking my question, I'd like to clarify why I'm asking about something so absurd. A supersitious claim has been bought to me that in the past, the moon was split and seperated as a sign. My attempts at dissuading them by pointing out that half of the planet failed to observe it has been met with the reply that this is because it took place for a short period of time. After which ofcourse the moon was returned to it's original form, leaving no evidence :)
I would like to know if there would've been any effect observable on Earth resulting from such a massive body being split in two. Perhaps something to do with the effect of the sudden change in the Moon's gravity on earth? Or perhaps some other factor that would make such an act impossible?
No the energy required to do this would cause the moon to melt.
However the story of the spitting of the moon supposes a supernatural cause, and one which is not bound by the physical laws.
God could split the moon and put it back together by his word. And God could arrange so that only some people saw it and others looked away.  When you bring God into your explanations the answer is always &quot;yes he can&quot;.  That's what being omnipotent means.