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.

Why did scientists choose the name Theia for the impactor?

#Videos

What was Theia like? - YouTube

Theia: When the Earth Destroyed its Sibling Planet | Netflix - YouTube

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