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Our planet contains mysteries that are yet to be unravelled. Many of them focus on how the Earth formed, and what is at the centre of our planet. A recent study provides clues as to what shaped Earth at the beginnings of our solar system. Scientists say they have discovered evidence that vast amounts of a rare, primordial form of the gas helium may be trapped inside Earth's core. It is called helium-3. Scientists from universities in Japan and Taiwan believe the helium-3 is from a giant cloud of gas and dust that amalgamated to create different planets. The gas has remained locked inside Earth's mantle for billions of years, but is occasionally released in volcanic eruptions.
The research paper has created considerable excitement among planetary geologists. They believe the presence of large amounts of helium-3 could unlock more secrets of the Big Bang. In particular, the scientists are speculating that there being so much helium-3 under the Earth's mantle could mean that Earth was created much more quickly than previously thought. Dr Peter Olson, a geophysicist at the University of New Mexico, shed light on the possible speed of Earth's creation. He said: "There is evidence that has been interpreted to say the Earth formed very slowly, requiring 100 million years. [However], you wouldn't get much helium deep in the Earth if the Earth formed that slowly."
