Resemblances between moon surface and earth mantle

In summary, the research suggests that the Earth's mantle does not resemble the moon's surface as much as we thought, but this could change our view on the Theia hypothesis.
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mark!
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The Theia hypothesis is the current leading hypothesis to explain how our moon was created. Both Earth's mantle and the moon's surface have indistinguishable oxygen isotope ratios, which leaves the earth–moon system as more similar in O isotopes than any other two bodies in the solar system

However, new research suggests that the Earth's mantle (mostly olivine) doesn't resemble the moon's surface (also olivine, but mostly orthopyroxene) as much as we thought.

Does this change our view on the Theia hypothesis?

Sub question: were others moons (for instance the Galilean moons) also created partly with material of their host planet?
 
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mark! said:
The Theia hypothesis is the current leading hypothesis to explain how our moon was created.

Yes.
mark! said:
Both Earth's mantle and the moon's surface have indistinguishable oxygen isotope ratios, which leaves the earth–moon system as more similar in O isotopes than any other two bodies in the solar system

That's right.
mark! said:
Does this change our view on the Theia hypothesis?

I have been recently reading about this in a book called "Calculating the Cosmos" by Ian Stewart and in a chapter he discussed the formation of the Moon.
In my opinion this article and research by the team could potentially change the current view on the formation of the Moon, as you said, true.
Colliding with the side of Earth and not full-on, Theia must have splashed a lot of the Earth core's material into space which then mixed with everything left from Theia to form the Moon.
However what this interesting article states is that there is not much of Earth's core's material in the Moon, but more of orthopyroxene that lacks in the Earth's core, which contradicts the Theia theory.
I think we must wait and see what will happen in the future with this research and the team to reason further.
Don't you think?

mark! said:
Sub question: were others moons (for instance the Galilean moons) also created partly with material of their host planet?

Most likely.
 
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Colliding with the side of Earth and not full-on, Theia must have splashed a lot of the Earth core's material into space which then mixed with everything left from Theia to form the Moon.
My limited understanding tf this 'giant impact theory' is that the narrative ascribes the impactor to have a mass comparable to Mars which is about 12% MEarth. Stewart (in the excellent book you mention) describes the Earth being "ABOUT 10%" smaller.

Obviously, the moon has only a fraction of this mass (another factor of 10), which suggests to me that the vast majority of "theia" or whatever must have been agglomerated or whatever the process is called along with the other composition pieces that formed the Earth - only a tiny splinter remains as the moon.
 
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1. What are some similarities between the surface of the moon and the mantle of the Earth?

Both the moon's surface and the Earth's mantle contain elements such as silicon, magnesium, and iron. They also both have a rocky composition and are in a solid state.

2. Are there any differences between the moon's surface and the Earth's mantle?

Yes, there are several differences. The moon's surface is mainly made up of anorthosite, while the Earth's mantle is composed of mainly peridotite. The moon's surface also has a much thinner crust compared to the Earth's mantle.

3. How do the geologic processes on the moon's surface compare to those in the Earth's mantle?

The geologic processes on the moon's surface, such as impact cratering and volcanic activity, are much slower and less frequent compared to those in the Earth's mantle. This is due to the moon's smaller size and lack of tectonic activity.

4. Can studying the moon's surface help us understand the Earth's mantle?

Yes, studying the moon's surface can provide valuable insights into the composition and processes of the Earth's mantle. The moon's surface is also relatively undisturbed, making it a good analog for studying the early stages of Earth's formation.

5. What implications do the resemblances between the moon's surface and Earth's mantle have for our understanding of the solar system?

The similarities between the moon's surface and Earth's mantle suggest that the two bodies may have a shared history and origin. This can provide further evidence for the theories of planetary formation and evolution within our solar system.

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