New theory suggests remnants of ancient planet Theia hidden in Earth’s mantle, potentially solving long-standing mystery.
Scientists have long supported the giant-impact hypothesis, which suggests that an ancient planet collided with Earth, leading to the formation of our moon. However, a significant mystery within this theory has persisted: the whereabouts of the ancient planet, known as Theia. The direct evidence of Theia’s existence remains elusive, and no remnants of the planet have been found in our solar system. Some scientists believed that any remnants on Earth were absorbed into its fiery interior.
A new theory challenges this belief by suggesting that portions of Theia remain intact within Earth’s mantle. According to a study published in the journal Nature, molten fragments of Theia could have become embedded in Earth’s mantle after the impact and then solidified. This would mean that parts of the ancient planet are resting about 1,800 miles below the Earth’s surface. If proven correct, this theory would not only support the giant-impact hypothesis but also offer an explanation for enigmatic regions known as large low-velocity provinces (LLVPs) deep within the Earth.
LLVPs, first detected in the 1980s, are massive and distinct areas below the Earth’s surface, one beneath Africa and the other beneath the Pacific Ocean. They have baffled scientists for years due to their size and density, larger than the moon. Dr. Qian Yuan, the lead author of the new study, found a connection between Theia and the LLVPs, proposing that these regions could be remnants of the ancient planet. While this idea is compelling, it remains a hypothesis open to further research and debate. Other hypotheses about the LLVPs’ origins exist, and the discussion continues among scientists.
