The Origin and Evolution of the Solar System
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Author(s): M. M. Woolfson
Publisher: Institute of Physics
ISBN: 075030457X
Format: hardback
420pp
Price: £80.00
Review Date: 02 January 2001
Review: The basic structure of the solar system and the laws that govern the motion of the bodies has been understood for generations but now improved telescope technology and space research has given us increased knowledge of the solar system. Spacecraft travelling right out into the solar system have sent back details of the structures of all types of bodies: gas giants, terrestrial planets, comets, asteroids and satellites, both with and without atmospheres. In attempting to find a plausible theory, theorists can examine all the past observations that have been made, while taking into account the basic laws of physics, particularly relating to conservation. Finding a theory which is consistent with both observations of the spins and orbits of the solar system bodies and conservation of angular momentum is difficult, and has proved to be unsolvable in some modern theories. This book describes and examines in detail the four major theories that have been under development over the last three decades: the Proto-planet theory; the Capture theory, the Modern-Laplacian theory and the Solar Nebula theory. The Accretion theory is also discussed.