A group of German astronomers from the Ludwig Maximilian University and other scientific institutions have revealed the mechanism of rapid formation of gas giants. The research was published in the scientific journal magazine Astronomy and Astrophysics (A&A).
Previous theories suggested that giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn formed when asteroid-like bodies called planetoids collided and their gases accumulated over millions of years. However, this model could not explain the rapid emergence of gas giants far from their stars.
To solve this mystery, the team created a new model that includes all the physical processes necessary for planet formation. The calculations showed that ring defects in protoplanetary disks (called substructures) can accelerate the formation of gas giants.
Scientists found that dust particles one millimeter in diameter accumulate aerodynamically in a turbulent gas disk. This initial disturbance traps the dust and prevents it from escaping in the direction of the star. This accumulation makes planetary growth very efficient because it collects a lot of material for planet formation in a small area.
Astronomers say that for the first time, they have been able to simulate the process by which tiny dust particles coalesce into giant planets at vast distances from stars – between 5 and 200 times the distance between Earth and the Sun.
Earlier scientists clarified The reason why planets collide with stars.