The Hadean aeon is a geological time period that lasted from approximately 4.6 billion years ago to 4 billion years ago. During this time, the planet was undergoing intense volcanic activity and bombardment by asteroids and comets. Synonyms for the Hadean aeon include the Hadean Eon, the Hadean Era, and the Hadean Period. Some scientists also refer to this time period as the Pre-Archean Eon or the Priscoan Eon. Regardless of the name, the Hadean aeon marks a critical period in the Earth's history, when the planet was in its formative stages and conditions were extreme. Understanding this time period is essential to better understand the origins of life on Earth.