Origin and Evolution of the Solar System
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A01=Michael M. Woolfson
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Author_Michael M. Woolfson
capture theory astrophysics
Category=PDX
Category=PGS
Category=PHVB
celestial mechanics
cloud
comparative planetary formation models
early
eq_bestseller
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
eq_science
exoplanetary systems
giant
historical astronomy theories
major
molecular
momentum
planetary system formation
planets
solar nebula hypothesis
spin
star-forming
Product details
- ISBN 9780750304573
- Weight: 940g
- Dimensions: 156 x 234mm
- Publication Date: 01 Jan 2000
- Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Hardback
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The origin of the solar system has been a matter of speculation for many centuries, and since the time of Newton it has been possible to apply scientific principles to the problem. A succession of theories, starting with that of Pierre Laplace in 1796, has gained general acceptance, only to fall from favor due to its contradiction in some basic scientific principle or new heavenly observation. Modern observations by spacecraft of the solar system, the stars, and extra-solar planetary systems continuously provide new information that may be helpful in finding a plausible theory as well as present new constraints for any such theory to satisfy.
The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System begins by describing historical (pre-1950) theories and illustrating why they became unacceptable. The main part of the book critically examines five extant theories, including the current paradigm, the solar nebula theory, to determine how well they fit with accepted scientific principles and observations. This analysis shows that the solar nebula theory satisfies the principles and observational constraints no better than its predecessors. The capture theory put forward by the author fares better and also indicates an initial scenario leading to a causal series of events that explain all the major features of the solar system.
