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A stochastic model for the formation of a planetary system

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2016

S. J. Galley
S. J. Galley*
Affiliation:
University of Reading
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Summary

The stochastic model consists of a two-dimensional random walk with unit steps, each step being a Bernoulli trial. Two sets of possible conditions arising from astronomical theory give rise to two different barriers in the plane of the walk which cause a return to the origin. Another barrier indicates the formation of a planet and also causes a return to the origin. Consideration of the composition of the planets formed at this barrier allows their orbital distances and direction of rotation to be calculated. The predictions of one of the two models were found to be in close agreement with the observed planetary distances and masses in the solar system.

Type
Research Papers
Information
Journal of Applied Probability , Volume 8 , Issue 3 , September 1971 , pp. 470 - 479
Copyright
Copyright © Applied Probability Trust 1971 

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References

Mccrea, W. H. (1960) The origin of the solar system. Proc. Roy. Soc. A256, 245–266.Google Scholar
Williams, I. P. (1969) The formation of stars with particular application to temporary stars and quasars. Monthly Not. R. Astr. Soc. 146, 339–350.Google Scholar
Williams, I. P. and Galley, S. J. (1971) Planetary formation. Monthly Not. R. Astr. Soc. 151, 207–213.Google Scholar