Theia was eventually perturbed away from that relationship by the gravitational influence of Jupiter and/or Venus, resulting in a collision between Theia and Earth. Computer simulations suggest that Theia was traveling no faster than 4 km/s (8,900 mph) when it struck Earth at an estimated 45-degree angle.
What did Theia look like?
Original models estimated that the impactor, Theia, was about the size of Mars (half the size of Earth today). Though, some recent studies suggest it might’ve been more like four times the size of Mars, or roughly the size of the proto-Earth.
What is the great impact theory?
A theory that explains the origins of Earth’s moon, postulating that an asteroid roughly the size of Mars impacted the Earth during its formation. This impact resulted in rocky surface material being blown outward from the Earth, some of which accreted to form the Moon.
What happened to Theia after it hit Earth?
After slamming into Earth, the outer rocky shells of both Earth and Theia were blasted into a disk of debris around our planet. From this disk, the Moon coalesced; thus, models indicate most of Theia’s material ended up as part of the Moon. Any iron core that Theia may have had was consumed by Earth’s own core.
What happens if Theia never collides?
Scientists suggest that Theia had directly hit the Earth, and over millions of years; the core of Theia had dug deep into the Earth, in order to combine with that of the Earth. Hence, the core is slightly larger than it should be. So, if Theia had never hit the Earth, the core would be smaller than it is now.
What would happen if Moon hit Earth?
Once the Moon began it’s trajectory towards the planet, it would increase the tidal impact it has on us. By the time it hit the Roche limit, it would be causing tides as high as 7,600 meters (30,000 feet). Our world would be devastated by an army of tsunamis – ten times a day.
What would happen if a planet crashed into Earth?
The atmospheres of both planets would be compressed together and glow brightly. It would get so hot that everything on the side of the Earth about to get hit would instantly vaporize. For the rest of the Earth, the ground would become scorching magma. The collision would cause friction between the two planets.
What is the sister theory?
The sister theory—the Moon formed together with (but independent of) Earth, as we believe many moons of the outer planets formed. The capture theory—the Moon formed elsewhere in the solar system and was captured by Earth.
Is Theia a girl?
Theia Origin and Meaning The name Theia is a girl’s name of Greek origin meaning “goddess, godly”. Theia is the Titan of sight and the shining light of the clear blue sky. She is the consort of Hyperion, and mother of Helios, Selene, and Eos. The name is more familiar in its Anglicized version, Thea.
