The Most Modern Theory
The Solar Nebular Disk Model represents our current best understanding of how the solar system formed. Developed by Soviet astronomer Victor Safronov, this model explains what happened about 4.568 billion years ago.
According to this theory, a small section of a giant molecular cloud collapsed under its own gravity. Most of the material clumped together in the center to form our Sun, while the leftover matter flattened into a spinning disk around it.
From this protoplanetary disk, planets, moons, asteroids, and other solar system objects gradually formed through collisions and gravitational attraction. This model successfully explains many features we observe today, like why planets orbit in the same plane and direction.
This theory combines evidence from meteorite studies, computer simulations, and observations of other star systems currently forming. It shows how scientific understanding evolves as new technology and evidence become available.
Connect the Dots: This model explains not just how our solar system formed, but also helps scientists understand planetary systems around other stars throughout the universe.