Implications of the giant planets for the formation and evolution of planetary systemsThe giant planet region in the solar system appears to be bounded inside by the limit of water condensation, suggesting that the most abundant astrophysical condensate plays an important role in giant planet formation. Indeed, Jupiter and Saturn exhibit evidence for rock and/or ice cores or central concentrations that probably accumulated first, acting as nuclei for subsequent gas accumulation. This is a 'planetary' accumulation process, distinct from the stellar formation process, even though most of Jupiter has a similar composition to the primordial sun. Uranus and Neptune appear to exhibit evidence of an important role for giant impacts in their structure and evolution. No simple picture emerges for the temperature structure of the solar nebula from observations alone. However, it seems likely that Jupiter is the key to the planetary system, and a similar planet could be expected for other systems. The data and inferences from these data are summarized for the entire known solar system beyond the asteroid belt.
Document ID
19900044200
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Stevenson, David J. (California Institute of Technology Pasadena, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems