Earth · Era

Formation of Earth

4.6 Bya – 4.0 Bya

Our solar system condenses; the young Earth forms, is struck, and cools.

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Key events

4.6 billion years ago

Solar System Forms

A nebula collapses; the Sun ignites; planets coalesce.

About 4.5 billion years ago

Earth takes shape

Earth formed as gravity gathered material around the young Sun. Rocks, oceans and living things belong to a much later chapter than the early universe.

4.5 billion years ago

Theia Impact — Moon Forms

A Mars-sized body strikes Earth; debris coalesces into the Moon.

4.4 billion years ago

First Oceans

Earth cools, water vapor condenses, oceans form.

Era Overview

Period4.6 Bya – 4.0 Bya

Events and overlapping lifetimes are paginated below.

ScaleEarth

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