Scientists Verify Moon's Origin from Earth Collision by Finding Remnants of Theia

Researchers have proposed an intriguing theory that suggests remnants of the ancient planet Theia may be embedded within the Earth, adding a new twist to the widely accepted giant-impact hypothesis. This theory offers a possible explanation for the long-standing mystery surrounding Theia's fate after its collision with Earth billions of years ago. Recently published in the journal Nature, the study presents a fascinating account of molten fragments from Theia potentially merging with Earth's mantle post-collision and solidifying into sizable structures about 1800 miles beneath the Earth's surface.

This discovery has reignited interest in the Large Low-Velocity Provinces (LLVPs) located deep within the Earth. First identified in the 1980s, these mysterious formations have puzzled geophysicists due to their significant iron density different from the surrounding mantle. Dr.

Qian Yuan, the study's lead author and a geophysicist at the California Institute of Technology, developed the theory after attending a seminar in 2019 discussing the giant-impact hypothesis. Despite facing initial skepticism and rejection, Dr. Yuan persisted in uncovering the potential connection between the remnants of Theia and the LLVPs.

With the support of like-minded scientists providing crucial modeling data, the theory gained traction. Dr. Steve Desch, a coauthor of the study, highlighted the complexities of Earth's mantle, likening it to high-pressure magma with a consistency akin to peanut butter.

This helped demonstrate how remnants of Theia could have solidified within Earth's mantle without completely blending with the surrounding materials. Through high-resolution modeling, the study solidified the plausibility of fragments of Theia coexisting within Earth's mantle, lending credibility to the theory. Coauthored by experts from institutions including Arizona State University, Caltech, the Shanghai Astronomical Observatory, and NASA's Ames Research Center, the study has sparked lively discussions within the scientific community.

While the study presents a compelling hypothesis, Dr. Yuan remains open to scrutiny and further research to validate his proposition. Dr.

Desch emphasized the strength of the study, noting its solid empirical support. However, the theory does have its skeptics, with other explanations such as the idea that LLVPs could be sunken oceanic crust over time still being debated. This ongoing exchange of ideas underscores the ever-evolving nature of scientific exploration, ensuring that the quest to uncover Earth's history remains a captivating and perpetual journey.