Planet formation refers to the process by which celestial bodies, such as planets, develop from a cloud of gas and dust in a star system. This process typically begins with a protoplanetary disk, which forms around a young star. Over time, particles within the disk collide and stick together, forming larger and larger bodies through a process known as accretion.
Initially, tiny dust grains collide to form larger aggregates, which then grow into planetesimals—solid objects ranging from a few kilometers to hundreds of kilometers in diameter. These planetesimals can further collide and merge to create protoplanets. As these protoplanets accumulate more mass, they can become large enough to clear their orbital paths of debris, eventually becoming full-fledged planets.
Planet formation is influenced by various factors, including the composition of the protoplanetary disk, the distance from the star, and the gravitational interactions between forming bodies. The study of planet formation helps astronomers understand the origins of planetary systems, including our own, and provides insights into the potential for life on other planets.
The Mysteries of Planet Formation in Distant Galaxies Recent observations from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have unveiled captivating images challenging existing theories about how planets emerge in the universe.…