Theia: The Ancient Planet That Shaped Earth and the Moon
Theia (/ˈθiːə/), named after the Greek Titaness associated with light and vision, is a hypothesized planet that played a pivotal role in shaping the Earth and its satellite, the Moon. According to the giant-impact hypothesis, Theia collided with the proto-Earth approximately 4.5 billion years ago during the chaotic early days of the Solar System. This cataclysmic event is believed to have ejected debris that eventually coalesced into the Moon, while profoundly influencing the composition and structure of Earth.
Let’s dive into the details of Theia’s origin, the collision, and its profound impact on the Earth-Moon system.
The Origin of Theia
In the early Solar System, countless protoplanets—embryonic planetary bodies—coexisted, orbiting the Sun in a chaotic dance. These protoplan...