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Earth and Mars planetary formation study

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2026-10-05 21:22 UTC → 2026-10-18 09:34 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Research led by the University of Copenhagen’s Center for Star and Planet Formation indicates that Earth and Mars developed through distinct formation pathways approximately 4.5 billion years ago. By analyzing chemical signatures in planetary crusts and mantles—specifically the depletion of moderately volatile elements like sodium, zinc, potassium, lithium, and manganese—researchers determined that the two planets utilized different primary growth mechanisms. Findings published in Nature Astronomy suggest that Earth’s mass is largely derived from pebble accretion, with at least 75 percent of its mass originating from two protoplanets that grew by accumulating millimeter- to centimeter-sized particles. Conversely, Mars formed primarily through collisions with kilometer-sized planetesimals, which accounted for roughly 73 percent of its mass, while pebble accretion contributed only about 27 percent. This research supports a hybrid model of rocky planet formation where the relative importance of accretion methods varies between worlds. Recent analysis of these volatile elements, which evaporate at high temperatures, has helped identify a specific chemical fingerprint in the planetary mantles. This confirms that Earth’s silicate portion was primarily formed through pebble accretion, with the remaining 25 percent coming from planetesimals similar to the asteroid Vesta, whereas Mars followed a reverse ratio of growth.

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