Spontaneous 'dust traps:' Astronomers discover a missing link in planet formation
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 - 10:01
in Astronomy & Space
Planets are thought to form in the disks of dust and gas found around young stars. But astronomers have struggled to assemble a complete theory of their origin that explains how the initial dust develops into planetary systems. A team now think they have the answer, with their simulations showing the formation of 'dust traps' where pebble-sized fragments collect and stick together, to grow into the building blocks of planets.