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Our Solar System was in shape of doughnut, confirmed by scientists

Scientists have confirmed that our solar system initially had the shape of a doughnut or a flat disk, a formation estimated to be around four and a half billion years old. The doughnut-shaped protoplanetary disk provided the raw materials for planet formation, and gravitational interactions led to the diverse planetary system.

June 30, 2024 / 23:38 IST
Solar System (Representative Image- Canva)

Scientists have confirmed that our solar system initially had the shape of a doughnut or a flat disk, a formation estimated to be around four and a half billion years old.

In the Initial stages, our young Solar System consisted of a rotating cloud of gas and dust called a protoplanetary disk. This disk extended outward from the central star (the Sun) and had a toroidal shape, resembling a doughnut.

Due to gravity, the tiny particles collided and stuck together, resulting in the formation of the larger crumps called planetesimals. The attraction of more materials present in space made the planetesimals grow larger and larger resulting in the formation of protoplanets.

The scientists were able to discover this by doing in-depth studies on iron meteorites that had originated from our solar system, the study helped in understanding the formation of the planetary system when it was in its early stages and how it evolved to be what we see today.

These meteorites, which contain refractory metals such as platinum and iridium, provide evidence that the early formation stages of the Solar System were toroidal, resembling a doughnut shape.

The presence of these metals in meteorites suggests that during the Solar System's infancy, the material distribution and accumulation followed a toroidal pattern.

This shape likely influenced the development and organization of planets and other celestial bodies, offering crucial insights into the processes that shaped our cosmic neighbourhood.

A team of planetary scientists Bidong Zhang of the University of California, Los Angeles, found the composition of asteroids in the outer Solar System and has made this discovery of the toroidal solar system.

The doughnut-shaped protoplanetary disk provided the raw materials for planet formation, and gravitational interactions led to the diverse planetary system.

Khushi Thakur
first published: Jun 30, 2024 11:38 pm

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