Why did scientists choose the name Theia for the impactor?
Answer
It refers to a Titan in mythology who was the mother of the Moon goddess
The name Theia was chosen due to its deep roots in Greek mythology, where Theia was a Titan and the mother of Selene, the goddess of the Moon. This mythological connection provided a fitting, symbolic label for the object whose collision with Earth directly resulted in the creation of the lunar body. Researchers adopted this name to emphasize the significant, life-defining role the rogue planet played in the birth of the Moon.

#Videos
What was Theia like? - YouTube
Theia: When the Earth Destroyed its Sibling Planet | Netflix - YouTube
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