CHAPTER 14 - Nebular Theories

Abstract

This chapter explores the pioneering theory of Berlage who looked at the equation of equilibrium of a rotating, gas nebula under the influence of gravity and internal gas pressure. By trying to minimize viscous energy loss in the system and obtaining from this a density maxima, Berlage obtained various forms of the Law depending on what kind of temperature and chemical weight distributions he used. The chapter discusses the theory of von Weizsacker that, during the past three decades, has aroused the most interest among scientists. von Weizsacker's theory was the first to use the type of chemical composition for the solar nebula we know is correct, and it also was the first to recognize the importance of turbulence in the nebula. This resulted in a prediction of a Titius–Bode Law since the condensation would preferentially take place at the interfaces of the rings and these interfaces are related in distance by the number of vortices in a ring. This original theory was modified by a number of authors. It was observed that although much insight has been obtained from nebular theories into the origin of the solar system and into the Titius–Bode Law, no theory has been given for the geometric progression which as of yet is able to answer all criticisms.