A Dialogue Concerning The Two Chief Models Of Planet Formation

by Michael Mark Woolfson

Overview

Two models for the origin of the Solar System, the Nebula Theory and the Capture Theory, are discussed by protagonists, Simon and Steven respectively, in the presence of Solomon, who oversees the discussions. Modelled on Galileo's Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems, this book provides new insight into different theories of cosmogony.The Nebula Theory, at present the standard model of planet formation, proposes that a star and planets are derived from a single spinning nebula. Woolfson here introduces an alternative, the Capture Theory, in which planets are produced from a protostar tidally disrupted by a condensed star which 'captures' most of the formed planets into orbits. These complex ideas are simplified and presented in an easily understandable, accessible way for all students of physics, astronomy, cosmology and those interested in the beginning of our world as we know it.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781786342720
Publisher:	World Scientific Publishing Europe Ltd
Publication date:	07/17/2017
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.60(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction v

Prologue ix

A Chance Encounter xxi

The First Meeting 1

Simon Describes the Basic Mechanism of the Nebula Theory 1

The Second Meeting 19

Steven Describes the Basic Mechanisms of the Capture Theory 19

The Third Meeting 37

Simon is Questioned about Angular Momentum and Planetary Orbits 37

The Fourth Meeting 57

Simon Describes Planet-Planetesimal Interactions and Steven Explains How Initial Capture-Theory Orbits are Modified 57

The Fifth Meeting 77

Steven and Simon Talk about the Proportion of Stars with Planets 77

The Sixth Meeting 93

Steven and Simon Discuss Spin-Orbit Misalignment 93

The Seventh Meeting 109

Steven Explains the Formation of Terrestrial Planets and the Earth-Moon Relationship by a Scenario Related to the Capture Theory and Then Simon Covers the Same Ground with the Nebula-Theory Interpretation 109

The Eighth Meeting 127

Simon and Steven Talk about Satellite Formation 127

The Ninth Meeting 143

Simon Describes the Nice Model and Steven Criticizes It 143

The Tenth Meeting 159

Steven Describes the Formation of Asteroids and Comets and the Origin of Many Other Features of the Solar System 159

The Eleventh Meeting 177

Steven Describes the Origin of Isotopic Anomalies in Meteorites 177

The Twelfth Meeting 191

Simon and Steven Summarize the Two Theories 191

Index 213