solar nebula theory Flashcards
what is the solar nebula theory
The solar system formed 5 billion years ago from a massive cloud of gas and dust (solar nebula) that began to contract.
The sun formed the disc in the center and lighter gases (hydrogen & helium) were pushed away from it by intense solar winds.
The lighter gases accumulated in the outer solar system, forming gas giant planets.
Denser clumps of solid matter remained behind in the inner solar system, forming the terrestrial inner planets.
evidence of the solar nebula theory
Evidence of the Solar Nebula Theory
Planets orbit the sun in the same direction
The planets are all in the same plane (elliptical)
The sun is in the center
Most planets rotate in the same direction on their axis
The terrestrial planets are closer than the gas giants to the sun
