Among all scientific models, models that attempt to replicate the formation of the planet and solar system are among the most complicated. They are also notoriously difficult to develop. Usually they revolve around one of two formative ideas: planets are primarily formed by gravity, or planets are primarily formed by magnetism. A new theoretical model has now been developed by a team at the University of Zurich (UZH) that uses mathematics from both methods to determine the most complete model of planet formation to date.
Scaling is the problem that causes the dichotomy between magnetic and gravitational models. At large scales like protoplanet disks, gravity prevails. Dust and gas are merging into an early planet. However, when they stick together, magnetism begins to take over.
UT video showing an image of a planet in its very early stages.
As differently charged dust particles, electric (and thus magnetic) fields are formed when they rub against each other. On the scale of the formation of individual planets, these magnetic forces are much stronger than the gravitational forces of dust on other pieces of dust. Magnetism therefore has a much stronger influence on the formation of individual planets than on the solar system, which includes the forces of gravity.
An illustration of a protoplanetary disk. Planets merge from the remaining molecular cloud from which the star was formed. In this accretion disk were the basic elements that are necessary for planet formation and potential life.
Photo credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / T. Pyle (SSC) – February 2005
In order to combine these two different models, the UZH team had to use two modern tools: a new theoretical framework and a really powerful supercomputer. The theoretical framework took into account the scale differences between the two competing forces. In particular, Dr. Hongping Deng, now a postdoctoral fellow at Cambridge University, was able to merge the length of time by which the magnetic forces begin to overtake the gravitational forces in terms of their importance. A gratifying result of this framework is that it leads to planets that, in contrast to most currently existing planetary formation models, are similar in size to the real world.
Another important factor in planet formation is planet migration. This UT video explains how planets move in their forming solar system.
Without the second key tool in the researcher’s toolbox, it would have been impossible to understand this result: a really good supercomputer. The team chose the Piz Daint supercomputer as the Swiss national supercomputing center. With their power behind the modeling algorithm, the team was then able to work out the result that models reality so accurately. With the help of a nice visualization technology, they were also able to develop an animation that can be seen in the UZH press release and shows the result of the model visibly over time.
Any additional insight into the world of planet formation is welcome, even if it takes a lot of time to develop an algorithm and run it on a supercomputer. Exoplanet research, planetary geology, and even atmospheric research would all benefit from a better understanding of how our and other worlds were formed. If it’s a complex combination of magnetic and gravitational forces, all the better now that we have the computing power and a framework to really grasp it.
Learn more:
UZH: A new way of shaping planets
Natural astronomy: formation of medium-mass planets through magnetically controlled disk fragmentation
UT: Astronomers see a newly forming planetary disk that continues to feed on material from its nebula
Mission statement:
Artist’s impression of the magnetic field lines in a protoplanetary disk.
Photo credit: Jean Favre, CSCS
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