For years, scientists have believed that the Moon formed when a Mars-sized planet, Theia, collided with Earth, mixing their materials and creating the lunar satellite. However, a groundbreaking study now suggests that Theia might not have contributed at all. Instead, the Moon could be entirely made from Earth’s material.
What the Study Found
Researchers analyzed 14 lunar rock samples and compared them with minerals from Earth. Their focus was on oxygen-17, a rare isotope, and they found that the Moon and Earth share nearly identical levels of this isotope. This suggests that the Moon formed solely from Earth’s debris after the colossal impact, with no trace of Theia in its structure.
Where Did Theia Go?
Scientists propose that if Theia did exist, it may have lost its rocky mantle in earlier space collisions before hitting Earth like a “metallic cannonball.” In this case, Theia’s core could have merged with Earth’s, becoming part of our planet’s interior rather than the Moon’s.
What About Earth’s Water?
Earlier, some theories suggested that Theia also delivered water to Earth. But this study challenges that idea, proposing that asteroids, particularly a class called enstatite chondrites, might have been the true carriers of water.
This new insight reshapes our understanding of how our closest cosmic neighbor formed, and it raises more questions about Theia’s fate. Could it be buried deep within Earth? More studies are needed to uncover the full story.
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