Studying the formation of planets involves several key steps:
Observation: Astronomers use telescopes to observe young star systems where planets are forming. They study the structure of protoplanetary disks, which are swirling clouds of gas and dust around young stars.
Modeling: Scientists use computer models to simulate the process of planet formation based on observations. They simulate how dust grains clump together to form planetesimals, which then collide and accrete to form planets.
Analysis: Researchers analyze meteorites, which are remnants of the early solar system, to understand the composition of the building blocks of planets and the conditions under which they formed.
Experiments: Scientists conduct laboratory experiments to simulate the conditions of early planet formation. These experiments help them understand the physical and chemical processes involved.
Theory Development: Based on observations, modeling, analysis, and experiments, scientists develop theories to explain the formation of planets in different star systems.