Study reveals massive anomaly in Earth’s interior from moon-forming collision(1/4)

An artist's concept shows proto-planet Theia colliding with the Earth to eventually form the Moon, possibly leaving two giant structures embedded in the Earth’s mantle 4.5 billion years ago. (Photo provided to China News Service)

Researchers have uncovered evidence suggesting that two massive blobs located deep near Earth’s core are the remains of an ancient planet, possibly named Theia, that collided with our world billions of years ago.

An artist's concept shows continent-sized zones of dense rock - leftovers from the cosmic collision (illustrated) that formed the moon - sit atop Earth’s core. (Photo provided to China News Service)

The large low velocity provinces (LLVPs) in the deep Earth mantle may be relics of Theian mantle materials. The mantle contains two large remnants of a lost planet, researchers found. (Photo credit: DENG Hongping and Hangzhou Sphere Studio). (Photo provided to China News Service)

The large low velocity provinces (LLVPs) in the deep Earth mantle may be relics of Theian mantle materials. The mantle contains two large remnants of a lost planet, researchers found. (Photo credit: DENG Hongping and Hangzhou Sphere Studio). (Photo provided to China News Service)