Unveiling the Top 15 Most Bewildering Space Discoveries

12. The Theory of Synestia

Discovery of Synestia Related to Venus Found Year: 2019

Discoverer: Sarah T. Stuart

Location: Planet Venus

In 2019, researcher Sarah T. Stuart contributed to our understanding of celestial phenomena by exploring the concept of synestia. An analysis published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets in 2017 proposed that synestia may have existed as a donut-shaped, short-lived hot mass that could have once supported life on Earth. This intriguing idea suggests that such structures could form from the collision of two large planetary bodies, a process similar to the formation of the Moon.

Synestia represents a fascinating phase in planetary evolution, highlighting the dynamic processes that can occur during massive collisions in space. The implications of this research extend beyond Earth, inviting scientists to consider how similar events might have shaped other planets, including Venus.

 

The Theory of Synestia Source: Shutterstock/©vadik4444

Research has indicated that synestia represents a critical stage in the formation of the Earth and Moon, as proposed by the giant-impact hypothesis. This theory suggests that synestia formed as a result of a high-energy collision between celestial bodies, characterized by significant angular momentum. During this phase, the material from the impact would have coalesced into a hot, donut-shaped mass.

This concept provides valuable insights into the early dynamics of our solar system and the processes that led to the creation of our planet and its natural satellite. By understanding synestia, scientists can better comprehend the conditions that prevailed during the formative years of Earth and how such events shaped the planets we know today.

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