Scientists finally trace where the Moon's "parent rock" came from
Scientists have gained a better understanding of where Theia—the giant space rock that smashed into Earth and formed the Moon—may have originated.
New research suggests Theia was born in the inner solar system, which helps explain why Earth and the Moon are so chemically alike.
Earth, Moon, and certain meteorites are chemical twins
By analyzing iron isotopes from rocks on Earth, the Moon, and meteorites, researchers found that Earth and Moon match up perfectly with non-carbonaceous meteorites from the inner solar system.
This means both proto-Earth and Theia were made from pretty similar stuff.
Theia probably moved inward before its big crash
Calculations suggest Theia formed even closer to the Sun than Earth did—then drifted outward before colliding with our planet.
This helps scientists understand why our world and its moon are so closely linked, giving us a clearer picture of how both came to be.