Planet formation is the process through which celestial bodies, such as planets, develop from the material present in a protoplanetary disk surrounding a young star. This process typically occurs within the first few million years of a star’s formation.
It begins with the accumulation of dust and gas in a rotating disk, where particles collide and stick together, forming larger bodies known as planetesimals. These planetesimals continue to collide and merge, gradually building up into protoplanets. Over time, the gravitational attraction of these growing bodies can attract more material, allowing them to increase in size.
The formation process can vary based on the distance from the star and the local conditions in the disk, leading to different types of planets, such as terrestrial (rocky) planets and gas giants. The remaining gas and dust may eventually be cleared away by radiation and stellar winds from the young star, leaving behind a stable planetary system.
Overall, planet formation is a complex interplay of gravity, material composition, and the dynamic environment of a young star system.
A team of astronomers led by Professor Paola Pinilla from University College London has recently completed an extensive survey of planet-forming discs, providing valuable new information on the complex process…