No CrossRef data available.
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 February 2012
Kuiper's recent theory of the origin of the solar system is criticised on several grounds. Firstly, it is pointed out that the empirical relation between the ratio of the masses of two consecutive planets (satellites) on the one hand and the ratio of their distances from the sun (primary) on the other hand is not the one discussed by Kuiper. Secondly, it is shown that the densities needed for a successful application of Kuiper's theory are probably not attained in the system considered by him. Finally, some other points are discussed which enter into most theories about the origin of the solar system.