Planetary Geological Formation

These past semesters have been focused on researching newer models of planetary system evolution using the solar system as an analog. Observed planetary systems are skewed by what can be observed using current technology and methodology – as a result, they are largely ignored when modeling the solar system’s formation. Instead, current understanding stems from simulations (which are also technologically limited) made to better understand the evolution of the solar system and the bodies within. In researching the topic, the (currently) accepted models are presented along with their shortcomings. The characteristics of bodies in the solar system are also detailed and the models in which they may form have been reviewed for plausibility. In most cases, there’s still much to be desired and models are likely to change with future observations (particularly future missions to the outer solar system).