Unique relationship between Earth and Mars, scientists call both children of the same mother

Washington. A latest study conducted by scientists of the University of Copenhagen has made a shocking revelation. According to this research, our Earth and neighboring planet Mars are children of the same mother from the astronomical point of view, because both were formed from the same rotating cloud of dust and gas of the solar system about 4.5 billion years ago.

Planets made from the same cosmic recipe and their different histories

Recent studies have revealed that even though Earth and Mars originated from the same solar system materials, the way they were formed and evolved was completely different. This study, led by Globe Institute researcher Anders Johansson and Assistant Professor Haiyang Wang, has challenged the old assumptions of astronomy, under which it was believed that the planets formed around them have the same formation history.

Pebble accretion and the role of large rock collisions

According to scientists, two main processes are important in planet formation—the joining of small pebble-like structures (pebble accretion) and the collision of large solid rocks (planetesimals). The study showed that about 75 percent of Earth’s total mass came from the accretion of pebbles by the early protoplanets, and only 25 percent from the collision of larger rocks.

Different process of formation of Mars

In sharp contrast, Mars was formed in different proportions. About 75 percent of the total mass of Mars was formed by the violent collisions of large rocks of kilometer size, while only 25 percent was formed by the collision of small pebbles. To understand the difference in the initial stages of these two planets, scientists have done advanced computer simulations and in-depth analysis of volatile elements.