Several researchers have argued in the past that the Moon surfaced after a wandering planet, which is known under the name of Theia crashed into Earth more than 4 billion years ago. A new study has analyzed specific oxygen isotopes that should be found in fragments of rocks recovered from Earth and the Moon.
The results have proved that traces of Theia, which may have been as big as Mars, have bee found in lunar samples. This reinforces theories that mention that the Moon formed from the material which was ejected during the clash between the two planets. Oxygen isotopes found in the samples taken from the lunar surface featured different oxygen isotopes, which shows the evident influence of Planet Theia.
Proof of Planet Theia Could Be Found on the Moon
Now it is not possible to identify the exact phenomena which led to the formation of the Moon or how the impact may have influenced the results. Still, it is believed that the new data will be quite useful in the case of future research. Previous examinations of the rocks which were brought back by the Apollo 11 crew mentioned that they were quite similar to the Earthen equivalents, but it appears that this isn’t the case.
During the recent study, the experts surveyed a selection of rock samples with the help of high and low titanium basalts. A standard isotope analysis technique was also enhanced to deliver superior accuracy. Rocks found on the surface of our planet have a stable range of isotope compositions, but the ones which come from the Moon have a surprising variability.
In most cases, tall lunar samples are taken into account as a whole, and the average value of all the samples which are observed becomes the core value. The team has also noted that the distinct oxygen isotopes found on Planet Theia maintained most of their integrity as a part of the Moon.
