California (Web Desk) — Scientists have found an answer to an important question concerning the early history of the solar system. According to new research, intense heating events played a significant role during the early stages of the solar system’s formation.
Assistant Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Yale University Damanveer Grewal and his fellow researchers conducted the study, which was published in the journal Nature Astronomy.
In the study, scientists examined two types of materials: chondrules and matrix. Chondrules are small rocky particles formed as a result of intense heating, while matrix consists of soft, dusty material that also contains volatile components, including water ice.
According to scientists, chondrules formed when dust particles in space were exposed to powerful shocks and other intense heating events. The particles melted and turned into tiny liquid droplets, which then cooled rapidly and became small rocky particles.
Scientists already knew that signs of intense heating were present in chondrules between approximately 2 million and 4 million years after the formation of the solar system. However, the new study examined an even earlier period — the first 1 million years.
The findings showed that intense heating events were also playing an important role during the very earliest stages of the solar system’s formation.
According to scientists, these findings could help improve understanding of the early environment of the solar system and the evolution of the material present within it.