Types of Planetesimal Formation
There are several types of planetesimal formation, including:
- Core accretion: This is the most widely accepted model of planetesimal formation. It involves the accretion of small particles to form a solid core, which is then surrounded by a mantle of rock and metal.
- Planetary differentiation: This model involves the differentiation of a planetesimal into its component parts, such as a core, mantle, and crust.
- Gravitational collapse: This model involves the collapse of a large particle in the solar nebula, which can form a planetesimal.
- Fragmentation: This model involves the break-up of a large particle in the solar nebula, which can form smaller planetesimals.