Mantle Neon Iluminates Earth's Formation (IMAGE) University of California - Davis Caption This is an artist's impression of a young star surrounded by a protoplanetary disk in which planets are forming. Based on measures of neon isotopes, UC Davis researchers conclude that the Earth formed relatively quickly from this cloud of dust and gas, collecting water, carbon and nitrogen in the deep Earth. Credit European Southern Observatory Usage Restrictions May be used with acknowledgement. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.