Astronomy and Solar System Formation

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Planetesimals

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Small bodies from which planets formed in the early solar system.

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Frost line

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The distance in the solar nebula from the central star where it is cold enough for volatile compounds to condense into solid ice grains.

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Event that started the solar system

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(Solar Nebula Theory) A supernova shock wave may have triggered the collapse of the solar nebula.

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Father of geology

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James Hutton is considered the father of geology.

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Reason for Kelvin’s age approximations being off

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Kelvin's approximations were off because he did not account for radioactive decay.

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Accepted theory of moon formation

Back

The accepted theory is the Giant Impact Hypothesis, which suggests the moon formed from debris after a collision between Earth and a Mars-sized body.

Front

Reason for the moon having less iron than the Earth

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The moon has less iron because it formed from the outer layers of Earth, which are less iron-rich.

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Main elements of the Earth's crust

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Silicon and oxygen

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Main elements of the Earth's outer core

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Iron and nickel

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Reason we cannot drill to the Earth's core

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Extreme heat and pressure make it impossible