Planetary Accretion
by Owen Borville
July 15, 2024
Astronomy, Planetary Science
Planetary accretion is the established theory of how planets form in our solar system and universe.
A rotating cloud of dust and gas forms around a young star and orbits the star, forming a solar nebula disk.
Gravity causes dust particles to collide and stick together, thereby forming an aggregate of mass increasing in size.
Planetesimals form as the aggregates grow into bodies the size of a kilometer or larger.
Protoplanets form as the planetesimals continue to grow and add mass from collisions.
Planets form as protoplanets become larger and most of the surrounding mass has condensed into the new planet.
Both star formation and planet formation occur within discs by accretion.
Particle collision during formation and growth would create an intense amount of heat, particularly inside the planet and cause it to melt and liquify, while the outer layer stays solid because of the cold outer space.
As the planet continues to rotate as it also continues to orbit its sun, the interior layers of the planet rotate and build up heat and energy, and thereby produce a magnetic field.
The magnetic field comes from the iron-rich core and inner layers, in addition to radioactive elements produced inside the planet that cause the interior to increase in heat even further.
The magnetic field of the planet creates stability and growth while allowing the planet to continue to mature.
by Owen Borville
July 15, 2024
Astronomy, Planetary Science
Planetary accretion is the established theory of how planets form in our solar system and universe.
A rotating cloud of dust and gas forms around a young star and orbits the star, forming a solar nebula disk.
Gravity causes dust particles to collide and stick together, thereby forming an aggregate of mass increasing in size.
Planetesimals form as the aggregates grow into bodies the size of a kilometer or larger.
Protoplanets form as the planetesimals continue to grow and add mass from collisions.
Planets form as protoplanets become larger and most of the surrounding mass has condensed into the new planet.
Both star formation and planet formation occur within discs by accretion.
Particle collision during formation and growth would create an intense amount of heat, particularly inside the planet and cause it to melt and liquify, while the outer layer stays solid because of the cold outer space.
As the planet continues to rotate as it also continues to orbit its sun, the interior layers of the planet rotate and build up heat and energy, and thereby produce a magnetic field.
The magnetic field comes from the iron-rich core and inner layers, in addition to radioactive elements produced inside the planet that cause the interior to increase in heat even further.
The magnetic field of the planet creates stability and growth while allowing the planet to continue to mature.