On the origin of planets: by means of natural simple processes

The book begins with a historical review of four major theories for the origin of the Solar System in particular, or of planets in general, which highlightthe major problems that need to be solved by any plausible theory. In many theories, including that which form the major theme of this book, the formation of planets and stars is intimately linked, so four chapters are devoted to theprocesses that can be described as the birth, life and death of stars. Recentobservations that have revealed the existence of planets around many Sun-likestars are described in detail, followed by a clear exposition of the Capture Theory for the origin of planets. Many aspects of this theory are illustrated with sophisticated computer modelling that convincingly demonstrates the plausibility of the theory. The Capture Theory is in complete accord with all observations, including the estimate it gives for the proportion of Sun-like stars with planets. It is the only theory that sits comfortably with all present observational and theoretical constraints. The general theory of planet formationdoes not explain the detailed structure of the Solar System. An early postulated collision of two major planets is shown to explain many disparate featuresof the Solar System — the nature of the terrestrial planets, surface featuresof the Moon and its relationship with Earth, asteroids, comets and dwarf planets, the relationship between Neptune, Triton and Pluto and the characteristics of meteorites, including the isotopic anomalies found in them. The postulateof a planetary collision is given support by a 2009 NASA observation of the residue of such an event around a distant young star. INDICE: Observations of Stars; Producing Protostars — Embryonic Stars; TheLife and Death of a Star; The Evolution of a Galactic Cluster; Exoplanets — Planets Around Other Stars; The Formation of Planets: The Capture Theory; Orbital Evolution; The Frequency of Planetary Systems; Satellite Formation; Features of the Solar System; Interactions Between Planets; The Moon; Mars and Mercury; Neptune, Triton and Pluto; Dwarf Planets, Asteroids, Comets and the Kuiper Belt; Meteorites: Their Physical and Chemical Properties; Isotopic Anomalies in Meteorites; Overview and Conclusions.

• ISBN: 978-1-84816-599-1
• Editorial: Imperial College
• Encuadernacion: Rústica
• Páginas: 500
• Fecha Publicación: 23/11/2010
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés