Home > Stocktrek Images > Space
Artists concept of an early Earth impact
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Stocktrek
Artists concept of an early Earth impact
A molten, infant Earth is impacted by an object about 10 miles in diameter, releasing 200 million times as much energy as the largest manmade explosion. While this collision appears negligible when compared to the scars of much larger encounters, a similar impact four billion years later may have resulted in the extinction of the dinosaurs.
The Earth accrued the majority of its mass during the 100 million years following the formation of the Sun, a period referred to as the cosmic bombardment. During this era of frequent impacts and radioactive heating, the entire Earth remained molten long enough for the heavy metals iron and nickel to settle to the center of the Earth while lighter silicates floated to the surface. Today, over four and a half billion years later, the Earth is still cooling. The silicates, forming a crust only a few tens of miles thick, still float on an ocean of molten metals and minerals, and the temperature at the center of the Earth may yet be hotter than the surface of the Sun
Stocktrek Images specializes in Astronomy, Dinosaurs, Medical, Military Forces, Ocean Life, & Sci-Fi
Media ID 13013509
© Walter Myers/Stocktrek Images
Astrobiology Astrogeology Astronomical Collision Comet Cosmic Cosmology Creation Destiny Earth End Of World Exobiology Exogeology Fiery Formation Hadean Heat Impact Lava Life Magma Meteorite Molten Neoproterozoic Era Planet Planetary Science Precambrian Primordial Radioactive Science Fiction Semicircle Smashing Solar System Space Art Temperature World Evolution Prehistoric Era
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases an artist's concept of a monumental event in Earth's history - an early Earth impact. In this mesmerizing depiction, we witness the collision between a molten, infant Earth and an object approximately 10 miles in diameter. The sheer magnitude of this impact is mind-boggling, releasing a staggering 200 million times more energy than the largest manmade explosion. Although seemingly insignificant compared to larger encounters that left profound scars on our planet, this particular collision holds immense significance. It serves as a poignant reminder that a similar impact four billion years later could have been responsible for the extinction of the mighty dinosaurs. The image also sheds light on the fascinating cosmic bombardment period during which our planet accumulated most of its mass. Lasting for about 100 million years after the formation of the Sun, this era was characterized by frequent impacts and intense radioactive heating. As a result, Earth remained entirely molten for an extended period, allowing heavy metals like iron and nickel to settle at its core while lighter silicates floated to form its surface crust. Even today, over four and a half billion years since these cataclysmic events unfolded, our planet continues to cool down gradually. A thin crust made up of silicates rests atop an ocean-like expanse of molten metals and minerals beneath it. Remarkably, it is believed that temperatures at Earth's core may still surpass those found on the scorching surface of our very own Sun. This awe-inspiring photograph titled "Artists concept of an early Earth impact" by Walter Myers from Stocktrek Images offers us glimpses into both ancient history and ongoing geological processes that shape our world till date
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
