Earth was born dry until a cosmic collision made it a blue planet
10 hours ago
- #Earth Formation
- #Habitability
- #Planetary Science
- Earth's chemical composition solidified within three million years of the Solar System's formation.
- Initially, Earth was barren, lacking water and carbon compounds essential for life.
- A collision with Theia likely brought volatile elements, including water, making Earth habitable.
- The study suggests habitability depends on rare chance events like planetary collisions.
- High-precision isotope measurements (manganese-53 decay) were used to determine Earth's formation timeline.
- Proto-Earth's chemical signature was complete in less than three million years post-Solar System formation.
- Theia, forming in cooler regions, contributed volatile substances to Earth during the collision.
- Life-friendliness in the universe is not guaranteed and may rely on specific cosmic events.
- Future research aims to model the Theia-Earth collision in greater detail.