Topic 12: Formation of Planetary
Systems
Specification
Point Necessary Understanding
12.1 Identify the consequence of gravitational interactions and solar winds in formation of
the Solar System
12.2 Identify the consequence of interactions of forces in the formation of celestial bodies
12.3 Understand the main theories for the formation of gas giant planets
12.4 Understand the current methods for discovering systems of exoplanets
12.5 Understand the requirement for life and the possibility of life-forms existing elsewhere
12.6 Understand the relevance of the Goldilocks (Habitable) Zones
12.7 Understand the Drake Equation
12.8 Understand the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (SETI)
, Identify the consequence of gravitational attraction, collisions, and solar wind for the formation of
12.1
elements of the Solar System
The solar system formed around 4.5 Billion
Years Ago
Initially, a massive concentration of
Without the possibility of direct interstellar gases which cooled to form a
observations, astronomers utilise computer steadily denser aggregation which, as it
modelling to evaluate theories of solar collapsed under its own gravity, formed a
system formation, and observations of protostar.
distant protostar formation.
Gravity continues to increase the pressure
around the protostar as more matter
collides with the protostar until the p-p
cycle can commence.
The commencement of fusion started the
mission of solar winds that cleared debris
and stopped additional collisions of matter
into the star.
These solar winds persist that melts
comets, affects planetary atmospheres
(e.g., aurora), and generates a
[1] heliosphere.
, Identify the consequence of gravitational attraction, collisions, and solar wind for the formation of
12.1
elements of the Solar System
On planets, gravitational attraction can induce changes in wave
tidal patterns, the formation of ring systems and asteroids
belts, as well as internal heating.
With multiple bodies, mutual gravitational
attraction can induce gradual shifts in
orbits and chaotic motion.
Orbiting bodies can exert regular, period
gravitational influence during conjunction –
orbital resonance.
[2]
During multi-body orbits, small-mass objects m
under the gravitational influence of two larger b
where the centrifugal forces balance each oth
Lagrange Points – which make suitable positi
satellites.
[4]
Systems
Specification
Point Necessary Understanding
12.1 Identify the consequence of gravitational interactions and solar winds in formation of
the Solar System
12.2 Identify the consequence of interactions of forces in the formation of celestial bodies
12.3 Understand the main theories for the formation of gas giant planets
12.4 Understand the current methods for discovering systems of exoplanets
12.5 Understand the requirement for life and the possibility of life-forms existing elsewhere
12.6 Understand the relevance of the Goldilocks (Habitable) Zones
12.7 Understand the Drake Equation
12.8 Understand the search for extra-terrestrial intelligence (SETI)
, Identify the consequence of gravitational attraction, collisions, and solar wind for the formation of
12.1
elements of the Solar System
The solar system formed around 4.5 Billion
Years Ago
Initially, a massive concentration of
Without the possibility of direct interstellar gases which cooled to form a
observations, astronomers utilise computer steadily denser aggregation which, as it
modelling to evaluate theories of solar collapsed under its own gravity, formed a
system formation, and observations of protostar.
distant protostar formation.
Gravity continues to increase the pressure
around the protostar as more matter
collides with the protostar until the p-p
cycle can commence.
The commencement of fusion started the
mission of solar winds that cleared debris
and stopped additional collisions of matter
into the star.
These solar winds persist that melts
comets, affects planetary atmospheres
(e.g., aurora), and generates a
[1] heliosphere.
, Identify the consequence of gravitational attraction, collisions, and solar wind for the formation of
12.1
elements of the Solar System
On planets, gravitational attraction can induce changes in wave
tidal patterns, the formation of ring systems and asteroids
belts, as well as internal heating.
With multiple bodies, mutual gravitational
attraction can induce gradual shifts in
orbits and chaotic motion.
Orbiting bodies can exert regular, period
gravitational influence during conjunction –
orbital resonance.
[2]
During multi-body orbits, small-mass objects m
under the gravitational influence of two larger b
where the centrifugal forces balance each oth
Lagrange Points – which make suitable positi
satellites.
[4]
