Articles tagged with Solar System Formation
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
Researchers discovered an isotopic anomaly in osmium from a primitive meteorite, shedding light on the star types that contributed elements to the solar system. The findings challenge previous theories of incomplete mixing of different dust sources and instead suggest presolar stardust may have survived and preserved its signature.
Researchers at Imperial College London analysed primitive meteorites, coal-like rocks older than the Earth, and found they are depleted of volatile elements. This suggests 'volatile depletion' may be an inevitable part of planet formation across many planetary systems.
Astronomers have found two young stars with 'gaps' in their disks that resemble the gaps between Jupiter and Uranus in our solar system. The discovery challenges existing theories of giant-planet formation and provides a unique window into how our own solar system came to be.
The discovery provides the first conclusive evidence that a 'protosun' played a major role in chemically shaping the solar system by emitting ultraviolet energy. The team used a technique to reveal details about the Earth's early atmosphere from variations in oxygen and sulfur isotopes, indicating the presence of photochemical reactions.
A Penn-led team has launched a balloon-borne telescope, BLAST, to survey the universe for faint stellar objects and gain insights into the formation of stars and galaxies. The telescope will capture light at three wavelengths, allowing astronomers to determine an object's distance and luminosity.
Researchers have refined the estimated lifetime of the solar nebula to roughly 2 million years, based on analysis of chondrules and Calcium Aluminum-rich inclusions found in the Allende meteorite. This finding suggests that oxygen was evolving rapidly during this period.
Scientists at PNNL discovered that micron-wide dust particles encrusted with molecularly gluey ice enabled planets to bulk up quickly enough to overcome solar winds. Fluffy ice provided a cushioning effect, allowing icy grains to stick together and grow into large lumps.
Scientists have long puzzled over the origin of chondrules, glassy particles found in meteorites that formed in the solar nebula. New calculations suggest that spiral arms in the disk surrounding Jupiter may have generated shock waves that melted dust clumps to form these particles.
A Chinese-American team of scientists has discovered a rare isotope, sulfur-36, associated with sodalite in a meteorite. The finding provides strong evidence for the past presence of chlorine-36 in the early solar system, which was likely formed in a supernova explosion.
A nuclear-powered space mission to Neptune, expected to launch between 2016 and 2018, aims to gather data on the planet's atmosphere and its largest moon Triton. The mission will employ electrical and optical sensors to study Neptune's atmospheric elemental ratios, gravity, and magnetic fields.
Astronomers used computer simulations to predict that a close encounter between our Sun and another star in the Milky Way galaxy could have given us our solar system's edge and put small, alien worlds into distant orbits. The study found potential locations where captured objects from other solar systems might be found.
Researchers used VLT interferometer observations to study infrared spectra of dusty discs around three young stars, finding abundant crystalline silicate grains and processed dust near the star. This suggests that building blocks for Earth-like planets are present in circumstellar discs from the start.
Researchers use meteorite composition to test theories on solar system formation, shedding light on the sun's oxygen makeup. The Genesis spacecraft collected particles blown out from the sun, providing new insights into local variations in oxygen isotopes.
Researchers analyzed tiny meteorite grains to determine the formation of aluminum oxide in AGB stars. The study found that both crystalline and amorphous forms are produced, clarifying observations and refining condensation modeling.
Comet composition can be studied for the first time using a new technique, providing insights into the early solar system. Carbon disulfide has been detected in comet 122P/De Vico, with implications for understanding the origins of life.
Astronomers have discovered over 300 newly forming stars in a distant nebula, creating ideal conditions for the formation of new solar systems. The sheer number of objects is astounding, and may force us to rewrite our ideas of star formation and how much of it is going on in the Milky Way.
A new theory suggests that the Sun and Solar System formed in a turbulent environment, with massive stars influencing the development of planets. This vision could have profound implications for understanding planetary formation and life's origins.
A team of astronomers at Penn State used the Hobby-Eberly Telescope to detect a cometlike body falling onto a massive, very young star. The infall, which occurred about 3200 years ago, provided dramatic spectral variations in the star's light. This discovery sheds light on planetary formation and the evolution of massive star systems.
Researchers found that heating and cooling alone can create spiral patterns on Mars, contrary to previous theories. The model suggests that differential melting and refreezing cause the spirals' unique shape and spacing.
Researchers have discovered that carbon isotopic compositions in IDPs are different from those on Earth and in other parts of the Solar System, indicating it was formed in molecular clouds before the formation of the Solar System. The findings help understand the Solar System's formation and the origin of organic matter on Earth.
The University of Chicago's dust instrument will help estimate particle collection during the Stardust spacecraft's rendezvous with Comet Wild 2. Scientists expect analysis to provide new insights into solar system formation, while also searching for signs of life on Mars.
Astronomers used Hubble to search for faint Kuiper Belt objects, finding only three small objects in a 15-day period. The discovery suggests that smaller planetesimals may have been shattered into dust by colliding with each other, affecting the number of comets near Earth.
The UCLA Center for Astrobiology will focus on four themes: extrasolar planetary systems, habitability of planets and their satellites, Earth's early environment and life, and evolution of biological complexity. The center aims to detect planets beyond our solar system using new methods and study the factors that control habitability.
The TAOS Project will search for comets by monitoring the brief eclipses of background stars as these objects pass between the telescopes and their light source. This innovative method allows scientists to detect small, faint objects that are too far away to be seen in reflected sunlight.
A new study suggests that Jupiter-like planets form quickly, within hundreds of years, rather than over millions. This contradicts the current standard model of planet formation, which proposes a longer time frame for gas giant planet formation.
Researchers used refined techniques to study minerals from meteorites, revealing a 20-million-year estimate for the Earth's formation. The new figure is based on careful separation of minerals and isolation of radioactive forms of niobium and zirconium.
Researchers found that young stars in Orion exhibit high levels of X-ray flaring, sufficient to explain the production of unusual isotopes locked away in ancient meteorites. This discovery suggests that our Sun may have also formed these isotopes during its baby years.
Researchers found that massive planets can trigger the formation of additional planets through violent processes, leading to a different-looking system. The study suggests an upper limit to planetary growth due to unstable conditions, raising questions about the possibility of habitable Earth-like planets in such environments.
A gamma-ray burst may have melted primordial dust grains, seeding the formation of meteorites and rocky planets like Earth. The theory suggests that only one Sun-like star in a thousand would be close enough to form chondrules.