Formation of the Solar System p. 580-585

Brain Pop Solar System http://www.brainpop.com/science/space/solarsystem/

Nebular Theory The sun and planets condensed out of the same spinning nebula. The entire solar system was formed at approximately the same time.

Solar Nebula Collection of gas and dust that developed into our solar system. Sun developed first out of 99% of the matter. 4-5 billion years old

Formation of Planets Planetesimals formed from matter in the solar nebula. Planetesimals join to form Protoplanets. Protoplanets condensed into existing planets and moons. Moons - smaller bodies orbiting planets

Distance from the sun influenced planet formation How?

Inner planets Terrestrial planets Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars Contain large amounts of heavy elements. Weaker gravity could not hang on to lighter gases.

Outer Planets Gas Giants Retained gases because of distance from sun Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune. Helium Hydrogen, frozen methane, ammonia and other gases.