COMO OS NOVOS RESULTADOS DE SIMULAÇÃO DA FORMAÇÃO DA LUA AFETAM A PROBABILIDADE DE SURGIMENTO DE VIDA EM PLANETAS ASSEMELHADOS À TERRA

Abstract

HOW THE NEW SIMULATION RESULTS FOR THE MOON FORMATION AFFECT THE PROBABILITY OF LIFE IN PLANETS SIMILAR TO EARTH. In the most recent simulations on the formation of the Moon by the collision of a protoplanet, approximately the size of Mars, called Theia, with the proto-Earth, 4.5 billion years ago, it is observed that the remains of Theia are deposited on the proto-Earth. This explains the presence of significant quantities of heavy elements in the Earth’s crust, such as the transition elements of the first series (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) and Mo, essential for life. This very special collision shaped the structure and, mainly, the chemical constitution of the Earth’s crust, allowing the development of highly evolved life forms that would not have formed without this availability. As we observe the heat waves that are causing severe damage today in various parts of the world, the awareness that life on Earth was produced by a cosmic condition with a very low probability of occurring in other planetary systems constitutes a new argument in favor of all actions aimed at stopping global warming. All of us, all of humanity, need to sacrifice our way of life to preserve life on our planet, which is a much more special place than previously assumed.