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

If the angle were 30 degrees or 50 degrees or 80 degrees, instead of 7 degrees, the case for the planetesimal hypothesis would be somewhat stronger.

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

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

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

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 inner satellite of Mars and the rings of Saturn make no special difficulty under the planetesimal hypothesis.

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