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

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Other hypotheses, having the same end in view, are the meteoritic hypothesis of Lockyer and the planetesimal hypothesis that has been largely developed in the United States.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Possibly the planetesimal hypothesis of Chamberlin and Moulton affords the true explanation, as the result of a rupture due to excessive tidal strain.

From Project Gutenberg