A new theory that may explain why the inner solar system is so different to the outer regions runs counter to the prevailing wisdom.
Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars in the inner solar system are relatively small, dry planets, unlike Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune in the outer regions, planets that contain much greater quantities of volatile elements.
“In the last few years, we’ve also discovered another major difference between the two parts of the solar system,” says Maria Schönbächler, professor at the Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology at ETH Zurich. “Meteorites have a different ‘fingerprint’ depending on whether they originated in the inner or the outer solar system.” Where they originate determines the meteorites’ isotope content. Isotopes are distinct atoms of a given element, which all share the same number of protons in their nuclei but vary in the number of neutrons.
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How our planets were formed
Terrestrial planets versus gas and ice giants: A new theory explaining why the inner solar system is so different to the outer regions runs counter to the prevailing wisdom. The theory was proposed by an international research group with ETH Zurich’s participation.
Formation of the solar system in two different planetary populations: the inner rocky planets formed earlier than the outer gas and ice giants. (Illustration: Mark A. Garlick / markgarlick.com)
Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars in the inner solar system are relatively small, dry planets, unlike Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune in the outer regions, planets that contain much greater quantities of volatile elements. “In the last few years, we’ve also discovered another major difference between the two parts of the solar system,” says Maria Schönbächler, Professor at the Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology at ETH Zurich, continuing: “Meteorites have a different ‘fing