From which mythological figure is the hypothetical name Theia derived?
Answer
The Greek Titaness who was the mother of the Moon
The hypothetical planetary body believed to have collided with the nascent Earth is named Theia. This nomenclature is drawn directly from Greek mythology. In that mythology, Theia was a Titaness recognized specifically as the mother of the Moon, linking the name symbolically to the celestial body whose origin the impact theory seeks to explain. This connection highlights the ancient cultural fascination with explaining the Moon's presence.
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