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Giant Impacts

All articles tagged with #giant impacts

astronomy2 years ago

"The Influence of Giant Impacts on Solar System Planet Formation"

Giant impacts play a crucial role in the formation of planets in the solar system, from the initial collision of planetesimals to the later stage of protoplanets merging. These impacts can reshape planets and affect their habitability, as seen in the formation of Earth's moon and the tilt of Uranus. Understanding the impact of giant collisions is important for comprehending planetary diversity and the search for habitable worlds beyond our solar system.

astronomy2 years ago

"Unveiling a Denser-Than-Steel Neptune-sized Exoplanet: Evidence of Catastrophic Collision?"

Scientists have discovered an exoplanet, TOI-1538b, that is denser than steel and poses a challenge to planetary formation theories. The planet's density suggests that it may have formed through multiple catastrophic collisions, which removed lighter atmospheric gases and water, leaving behind a rocky core. This finding provides new evidence for the prevalence of giant impacts in the formation of planets throughout the galaxy and helps connect theories for planet formation based on our solar system to the formation of exoplanets. Further observations of TOI-1538b will provide insights into its atmosphere and composition.