Sunday, January 15, 2012

Planetary Formation Continued

To continue our discussion regarding the composition of our solar system, there is apparently John Lewis' theory of "equilibrium condensation" (Sky & Telescope, "My Apologies to Mercury," Feb. 2012, p. 18) which partially explains how certain elements can condense from gas at certain temperatures and pressures relative to the sun, or what would have been the "solar nebula" according to http://burro.cwru.edu/Academics/Astr221/SolarSys/Formation/planets.html 

The same Sky & Telescope article cited above states that recent observations by Messenger has found evidence of elements on Mercury that do not fit with the condensation model.  Further, as the website cited above describes, Mercury should not have a magnetic field because the elements necessary for such should not have formed there; but it does. 

As usual, the more answers found, the more questions arise.  However, to ask about the process of formation of the solar system, galaxies, and universe is valid as a believer--to trust in who, but to ask how, that is the aim.  One step closer with the theory of equilibrium condensation, thanks to John Lewis.

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