Theia and Earth Were Neighbors
2 days ago
- #Moon Formation
- #Astronomy
- #Planetary Science
- New research suggests Theia, the celestial body that collided with Earth 4.5 billion years ago to form the Moon, originated in the inner Solar System.
- The study, published in Science, analyzed lunar rocks from Apollo missions, focusing on iron isotopes to trace Theia's composition and origin.
- Theia's composition indicates it likely formed closer to the Sun than Earth, differing from known meteorite classes, suggesting unique building materials.
- Isotope ratios of iron, chromium, molybdenum, and zirconium in Earth and Moon rocks were compared, revealing similarities but complicating direct conclusions about Theia.
- Reverse engineering techniques were used to deduce Theia's possible size and composition, considering various collision scenarios and early Earth's mantle contributions.
- Elements like iron and molybdenum, which partitioned into Earth's core, provide clues about post-core formation additions, possibly from Theia.
- The study highlights the complexity of planetary formation and the challenges in reconstructing Theia's characteristics from current Earth and Moon compositions.