What celestial body's size is Theia estimated to be comparable to?
Answer
Mars
Scientists have utilized models that account for the necessary energy transfer and the resulting mass required to form the Moon to estimate the size of the impactor, Theia. These calculations consistently point toward Theia being comparable in mass and size to the planet Mars. It is crucial that Theia was modeled as a substantial, fully formed protoplanet, rather than a smaller entity like an asteroid. This specific size estimate is essential because the Moon's mass, which is roughly 1.2% of Earth's current mass, demands the kinetic energy input that a Mars-sized impactor would deliver.
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