Overcoming the meter barrier and the formation of systems with tightly packed inner planets (STIPs)

A. C. Boley, M. A. Morris, E. B. Ford

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

28 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present a solution to the long outstanding meter barrier problem in planet formation theory. As solids spiral inward due to aerodynamic drag, they will enter disk regions that are characterized by high temperatures, densities, and pressures. High partial pressures of rock vapor can suppress solid evaporation, and promote collisions between partially molten solids, allowing rapid growth. This process should be ubiquitous in planet-forming disks, which may be evidenced by the abundant class of Systems with Tightly packed Inner Planets discovered by the NASA Kepler Mission.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numberL27
JournalAstrophysical Journal Letters
Volume792
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 10 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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