The origin of the Moon and the mysteries of the depths of the Earth have always intrigued scientists. Recently, a new theory has been proposed that provides potential answers to both of these puzzles. Researchers have suggested that remnants of the planet Theia, responsible for the creation of the Moon, could be buried deep within the Earth.
The most commonly accepted hypothesis regarding the birth of the Moon is that it was the result of a collision between a forming planet, Earth, and the protoplanet Theia billions of years ago. According to this theory, the impact threw enough material into space to form the Moon as we know it today. However, tangible evidence of Theia’s existence had yet to be found.
Researchers therefore decided to look beneath the Earth’s surface to find traces of Theia. At a depth of 2,900 kilometers, two intriguing masses, nicknamed “blobs”, were discovered in the 1980s using seismic waves. These blocks are located under Africa and the Pacific Ocean, and have thermal and density characteristics different from their environment. Computer simulations carried out by the scientists suggest that these masses could be buried remains of Theia, having penetrated the Earth during the collision.
According to Qian Yuan, a geodynamic researcher at the California Institute of Technology and lead author of the study, Theia’s collision with Earth was the most violent event in the history of our planet. It is therefore very strange that no visible trace of this collision is present. This discovery calls into question the location of Theia, which is believed to be buried beneath the surface of the Earth.
This new theory is the result of a collaboration between space and geology specialists. Theia’s impact on Earth billions of years ago would have thrown molten chunks of rock into the Earth’s mantle, which then cooled and solidified, forming these two distinct masses. These masses, larger than the Moon, would play an important role in certain geological phenomena such as volcanic eruptions and the evolution of supercontinents.
Although this theory does not completely solve the mystery of the Moon’s origin, it offers a credible explanation for the anomalies observed at the boundary between the mantle and the Earth’s core. Additionally, it suggests that Theia’s remains may have played a significant role in Earth’s evolution over the past billion years.
In conclusion, this new theory sheds interesting light on the origin of the Moon and the depths of the Earth. It opens new research perspectives and could challenge our current knowledge of the formation of the solar system.