Astronomy 1021 Study Guide - Space Stars, Stellar Evolution, Solar Wind
Document Summary
Nebular hypothesis: solar system is formed from the gravitational collapse of an interstellar cloud of gas. Properties of our solar system that a formation theory must explain . Patterns of motion of the large bodies: orbit in same direction and plane. Existence of two types of planets: terrestrial and jovian. Existence of smaller bodies: asteroids and comets. Notable exceptions to usual patterns: rotation of uranus, earth"s moon, etc. The solar system was formed from the gravitational collapse of an interstellar cloud of dust and dust the solar nebula. Apply fundamental laws of physics that we know from earth: support. Stars forming in other interstellar clouds of gas: theory. All particles will attract each other through the force of gravity and thus exert a force on each other which make them move. Gravity will cause an inward motion: gravitational collapse. With this starting point, we then just let the laws of physics run their course.
