The Solar Nebular Theory
By Christian Roston
What is it?
The solar nebula theory is the most widely accepted theory of the formation of our solar system. Originally, it was applied only to our solar system, but this method of planetary system formation is now thought to hold true throughout the universe.
Stephen Hawking - Formation of the Solar System
What does the solar nebula theory state?
The solar nebula theory states that all galaxies and solar systems started as a conglomeration of matter, in our case it contained iron, silica, and oxygen, all necessary components for life as we know it. The force of gravity spun the matter until it "clumped" together, forming planets.
Who discovered the solar nebula theory?
The solar nebula theory was first developed in the 18th century by Emanuel Swedenborg, Immanuel Kant, and Pierre-Simon Laplace. Kant argued that gaseous clouds—nebulae, which slowly rotate, gradually collapse and flatten due to gravity and eventually form stars and planets. Laplace’s proposed a similar model in which a nebular cloud contracted and cooled, flattening and shedding rings of material in the process which later collapsed to form the planets.