Refuting the Theory. Consider the following three hypothetical observations: (1) the discovery of a lone planet that is small and dense like a terrestrial planet but has a Jupiter-like orbit; (2) the discovery of a planetary system in which three terrestrial planets orbit ±e star beyond the orbital distance of two jovian planets; (3) the discovery that a majority of planetary systems have their jovian planets located nearer to their star than 1 AU and their terrestrial planets located beyond 5 AU. Each of these observations would challenge our current theory of solar system formation, but would any of them shake the very foundations of the theory? Explain clearly for each of the three hypothetical observations.
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- Which step(s) listed in the previous question can be eliminated in models that form Jovian planets in thousands of years, a time frame that solves the Jovian problem? Order the following steps in the formation of a Terrestrial planet chronologically: gravitational collapse, accretion, outgassing, condensation, and differentiation.arrow_forwardHow do the planets discovered so far around other stars differ from those in our own solar system? List at least two ways.arrow_forwardWhat is the difference between a planetesimal and a protoplanet?arrow_forward
- Present theory suggests that giant planets cannot form without condensation of water ice, which becomes vapor at the high temperatures close to a star. So how can we explain the presence of jovian-sized exoplanets closer to their star than Mercury is to our Sun?arrow_forwardHow does the solar nebula theory explain the orbits of the major planets? Dwarf planets? Does it explain the rotations of the planets? Why or why not?arrow_forwardWhere would you look for some “original” planetesimals left over from the formation of our solar system?arrow_forward
- Describe the solar nebula, and outline the sequence of events within the nebula that gave rise to the planetesimals.arrow_forwardHow does the solar nebula theory explain the significant density difference between the Terrestrial and Jovian planets?arrow_forwardThe Perseverance rover landed on Mars in early 2021. During travel to Mars, thespacecraft carrying the rover cruised at a speed of nearly 25,000 miles per hour. Atthis speed, how long would it have taken for the spacecraft to travel 0.5 au? Giveyour answer in daysarrow_forward
- Mulchatna is an exoplanet orbiting star 12 Altair. If the planet’s orbital period is 4.25 days and 12 Altair constant is 3.2X10^-19 s^2/m^3, what is Mulchatna orbital radius?arrow_forwardIf the solar nebula hypothesis is correct, do you think there are more planets in the Universe than stars? Why or why not?arrow_forwardhow does the solar nebula theory help you understand the location of the asteriod beltarrow_forward
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