Theia Impact

About

The Theia Impact, also known as the giant-impact hypothesis, is a widely accepted theory explaining the formation of the Moon. It suggests that about 4.5 billion years ago, a Mars-sized protoplanet named Theia collided with the early Earth. This collision was so violent that it ejected large amounts of debris into Earth's orbit, which eventually coalesced to form the Moon. Theia is thought to have struck Earth at an angle, possibly around 45 degrees, leading to a massive mixing of materials from both bodies. The impact would have significantly altered Earth's rotation and composition. Theia's iron core likely merged with Earth's, while its mantle material contributed to the Moon's formation. Despite the Moon's composition being similar to Earth's, recent studies suggest that Theia might have had a distinct origin. The hypothesis remains a cornerstone in understanding lunar formation, though ongoing research continues to refine our understanding of this ancient event.