planetesimal hypothesis

British  

/ ˌplænɪˈtɛsɪməl /

noun

1. the discredited theory that the close passage of a star to the sun caused many small bodies ( planetesimals ) to be drawn from the sun, eventually coalescing to form the planets

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Etymology

Origin of planetesimal hypothesis

C20: planetesimal, from _planet + _{infinitesimal}

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

planetesimal hypothesis

But the planetesimal hypothesis has no room for this enormous percentage of carbon-dioxide in the primitive atmosphere.

From The Story of Evolution by McCabe, Joseph

THE most elaborate structure yet proposed to explain the origin of the solar system is the planetesimal hypothesis by Chamberlin and Moulton.

From Popular Science Monthly Oct, Nov, Dec, 1915 — Volume 86 by Anonymous

The point is not necessarily in opposition to the planetesimal hypothesis; but whatever the explanation, it ought to apply to the planet as well as to the Sun.

From Popular Science Monthly Oct, Nov, Dec, 1915 — Volume 86 by Anonymous

The evidence, except as to the asteroids and Mercury, is not favorable to the planetesimal hypothesis, unless we make special assumptions as to the distribution of materials in the spiral nebulae.

From Popular Science Monthly Oct, Nov, Dec, 1915 — Volume 86 by Anonymous

As is apparent, these investigations lead to conclusions very different from those derived by Chamberlin and Moulton from the planetesimal hypothesis.

From Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by Todd, David Peck