The Moon is Earth’s closest neighbour in space. It has always fascinated scientists and explorers. But how did the Moon form? Scientists believe it was created after a huge collision between a young Earth and another planet-sized object. This object is called Theia. The collision threw out a lot of debris into space. Over time, this debris joined together to form the Moon.
Now, new research shows something surprising. Parts of the planet that hit Earth may still be inside our planet. These parts are hidden deep within Earth’s mantle. This discovery can help us understand Earth’s history better.
What Is the Giant Impact Theory?
The giant impact theory explains how the Moon formed. It says that about 4.5 billion years ago, a planet named Theia crashed into Earth. This was a massive collision. The crash caused rocks and dust to fly into space. This material started to orbit around Earth. Slowly, it clumped together to form the Moon.
The theory is popular because it explains why Moon rocks are similar to Earth’s rocks. It also explains why the Moon is smaller than Earth.
What Are Scientists Saying Now?
Scientists have found new evidence. They think some parts of Theia are still on Earth. These parts are buried deep under the Earth’s surface. They are located in areas called Large Low-Shear Velocity Provinces (LLSVPs).
LLSVPs are giant rock layers inside Earth’s mantle. There are two main LLSVPs. One is under Africa, and the other is under the Pacific Ocean. These rock layers are very large. They are as wide as continents and as tall as Mount Everest.
How Did Scientists Find This?
Scientists used special tools to study Earth’s mantle. They studied how waves from earthquakes travel through the Earth. These waves move differently when they pass through LLSVPs. This shows that the rock in LLSVPs is different from other rocks.
The rocks in LLSVPs may have come from Theia. They could be the remains of the planet that hit Earth billions of years ago.
Why Is This Discovery Important?
This discovery is important because it helps us learn about Earth’s early history. It shows that the Moon’s formation was not just a surface event. It affected the deep layers of Earth too.
If the LLSVPs are parts of Theia, it would confirm the giant impact theory. It would also show how planets change after big collisions. This can help us understand how other planets in the solar system were formed.
What Are LLSVPs Made Of?
LLSVPs are made of dense rocks. These rocks are different from other rocks in the mantle. Scientists think they are made of material from Theia’s mantle. This is why they are so unique.
The LLSVPs have been in Earth’s mantle for billions of years. They have not mixed with other rocks. This shows that they are very stable and heavy.
What’s Next for Scientists?
Scientists want to study LLSVPs more. They will use advanced tools to learn about their composition. New technology like seismic imaging can give clearer pictures of what is inside the Earth.
Future missions may also study the Moon more closely. This can give more evidence about the impact that formed the Moon. Together, these studies will help solve the mystery of Earth and Moon’s formation.
Fun Facts About the Moon
- The Moon is about 384,400 kilometres away from Earth.
- The Moon has no air or water.
- The Moon is slowly moving away from Earth at about 3.8 centimetres per year.
- The Moon has mountains, craters, and flat plains called maria.
Conclusion
The idea that parts of Theia are buried deep within Earth is exciting. It shows that the Moon’s formation was not just a surface event. It affected the inside of Earth too.
This discovery helps us understand how planets form and evolve. It shows that big impacts can leave lasting marks on a planet. Scientists will keep studying this to learn more about our planet and its closest neighbour, the Moon.
