Planet formation, as we all know (and don't know), is chaotic. It is like a lorenz Attractor constructable in computational astrophysics labs. When I was working on my astronomy project at Harvard this summer, I realized that there was a way to zoom into this complex, utterly random phenomenon to get a glimpse of the precise conditions of the proto-planetary disk as it evolved into the 'solar system'.
So what is that 'way' anyway?
According to the widely lauded sequential accretion theory, planet formation occurs in steps - and is governed by simple laws of physics: gravity pulls the disk around the protostar, material clumps together and is swirled into the star, volatile material evaporates to cause pressure differentials, differentials cause the inward swirling to stop, matter gets a chance to clump together, and then turn into Jovian giants, and the process continues. Each step of formation influences the other step, and along the way leaves a trail of the larger evolutionary pattern.
That is what I propose to exploit. For several months I have been working on the problem. I think that this trail is still visible and can be scrutinized to determine the specific environment of the primordial solar system. If the technique I am about to propose now works, we will be able to firm our grip on the long drawn issue of planetary system formation and evolution.
The sequential accretion theory indicates that Jupiter was the first planet to be formed in the solar system, and that it then seeded the formation of Saturn. If this did actually happen, then the gravitational forces of Saturn must have affected the later evolution of Jupiter itself. By mapping down the significant 'anomalies' in the Jupiter system and then analyzing them, it might be possible to pin point the conditions that caused them to occur; in other words, they can help establish the specific conditions of the proto-plantary disk at that time and the influence Jovian planets have on the entire planetary system.
Detailed study is underway. I am in the process of setting up the mathematical spreadsheets and evolutionary pathways that will help in measuring the degree of gravitational influences of Saturn on Jupiter in the early solar system. As for the 'anomalies' , I think it is way to early to purport them before the calculations and the pathways are complete.
I will try to get the paper ready by mid-December - until then it is midterms, design competitions, alumni presentations, college apps, and other mundane affairs of the earth!
Comments
I remember the time (1994 or thereabouts) when Ed Lorenz came to give the inaugural lecture at the newly opened Meteorology building at Reading University. (I've just been watching a more recent inaugural speech!) Fun stuff! As an example of chaos in meteorology he compared two years with indistinguishable summer weather: one went on to a beautiful autumn, the other exactly the opposite.
But at the first reading, I thought you were talking about Lorentz of the Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction and the Lorentz transformation. Now that (and special relativity in general) gives me something of a headache.
All the best for your forthcoming paper!
Robert H Olley | 01/20/09 | 13:54 PM
Muhammad,
Universal, Galactic, Stellar, Solar and Planetary Systems, Stabilise as the progenitor Jetting Cores
lose their ability to jet at escape velocities. Our larger planets / planetary cores, were most likely jetted by the Sun first. Also they were jetted in pairs, ( most likely, matching Pairs ) and these planets would possess similar masses (As the planets are an `effect ` of twin jets jetting ) .
The solar core was originally much more massive than it is at present, and prior to jetting the planetary cores of the Solar System, it may have previously jetted extra - solar bodies, that permanently vacated the solar system. Such a bodies are no doubt orbiting the Galaxy. ( see Warren Browne Harvard cfa. Hypervelocity Stars. ) (and possibly Hypervelocity Black Holes )
In the case of the Solar core mass, its angular momentum would have rapidly degraded, following a series of major jetting events. Bear in mind jetting , refers to twin identical streams of core mass ejecta accompanied by fuzing plasma. As jetted ejecta loses linear momentum, and is inserted into orbit, it will coagulate into spherical configured planetary cores. Just as a skater loses angular momentum , and spins more slowly, as he extends his arms, then the Suns Jetting core also loses angular momentum, as it ejects core mass, and this loss of angular momentum `imprints itself ` upon subsequent jetted bodies, which will not now reach such high altitudes, as the jet vector component (how high the jets can jet ) also degrades, (relative to the Sun) Coagulated ejecta , and plasma will therefore assume much lower orbits. ) The Earths Core, apparently, was jetted comparatively late as the Solar System formed.
The Sun thankfully, now has assumed a stable platform, and apparently can no longer endanger Earth, as the core ejecta can no longer reach escape velocity, and can only attain sub orbital velocity. This is a decaying orbit which recycles all jetted ejecta, where infalling debris smashes and fragments the suns winding spiral contrails, into sunspots.
Kevin Wilson