NATS 1740 Chapter Notes - Chapter 6: Formation And Evolution Of The Solar System, Gravitational Potential, Flattening

• School: York University
• Department: Natural Science
• Course: NATS 1740
• Professor: Randy Hoffman

Document Summary

6. 2 clues to the formation of our solar system. Theory of the formation of the solar system. Patterns of motion among large bodies : the sun planets and large moons generally orbit and rotate in an organized way\ All planetary orbits are nearly circular and lie nearly in the same plane. All planets orbit the sun in the same direction. Most planets rotate in the same direction in which they orbit with small axis tilt. Most of the solar systems large moons exhibit similar properties in their orbits around their planets. 2 major types of planets: 8 planets divide clearly into 2 groups. Asteroids and comets: between and beyond the planets, large numbers of asteroids and comets orbit the sun. Exception to the rules: only earth has a large moon among inner planets, uranus is tipped to the side: successful theory of solar system formation must allow for exceptions to the general rules.