Thea's Earth Crash: Unraveling the Moon's Mysterious Origins
In this post, we delve into the captivating story of Thea, a theoretical ancient planet believed to have collided with Earth, shaping the very formation of our moon. Contrary to long-held beliefs, recent studies suggest that Thea may not have contributed to the moon’s composition at all. Instead, it appears that the moon is primarily made up of materials ejected from Earth itself during this colossal impact.
The Collision That Shaped Our Moon
Thea, roughly the size of Mars, is theorized to have crashed into Earth in its formative years. This cataclysmic event released debris that eventually coalesced to form the moon. However, a new study, highlighted in a BBC report, indicates that no remnants of Thea are present in the moon's makeup. Researchers analyzed 14 lunar rock samples and compared them with similar minerals from Earth, focusing on oxygen isotopes—specifically oxygen-17. The findings revealed strikingly similar levels of this isotope in both sets of samples, pointing to a shared origin for Earth and the moon.
A New Perspective on Thea's Role
The study's lead scientist, Andreas Pac from Gingin University, proposed a fascinating explanation for these findings. He suggested that Thea might have lost its rocky mantle in earlier collisions, impacting Earth in a manner akin to a "metallic cannonball." If true, this would mean that Thea is now part of Earth's core, while the moon formed exclusively from ejected material from Earth’s mantle.
Revisiting the Source of Water on Earth
The study also explored the origins of water on Earth, traditionally attributed to Thea. However, researchers now believe that water likely arrived via asteroids long after the moon had formed. Meteorites known as enstatite chondrites could have played a significant role in delivering water to our planet, as they share similar oxygen-17 levels with Earth samples.
Thea's Lasting Impact
The fascination with Thea extends beyond its role in forming the moon. It is theorized that Thea may have influenced the formation of continents and volcanic activity on Earth. As we learn more about this ancient planet, our understanding of Earth's history continues to evolve.
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