Planetary Systems

Are Planetary Systems Filled to Capacity? (part 2) :: Astrobiology Magazine - earth science - evolution distribution Origin of life universe - life beyond :: Astrobiology is study of earth science evolution distribution Origin of life in universe terrestrial

Are Planetary Systems Filled to Capacity? (part 2)
Stellar Evolution Summary (Aug 20, 2007): In this essay, Steven Soter examines computer experiments that simulate the gravitational interactions among planets over billions of years. These models suggest that the solar system is only marginally stable and is dynamically full, or nearly so. Adding another planet between the existing ones would make the system unstable, resulting in a collision or ejection of a planet.