What if a young solar system were still taking shape? Twelve protoplanets of varied masses circle a Sun-like star on circular, coplanar orbits between 1 and 10 AU, embedded in a broad debris disk of 400,000 particles. This configuration mimics the oligarchic growth phase of planet formation, when embryos compete for material through gravitational scattering, collisions, and accretion. The Grand Tack and Nice model simulations suggest our own Solar System passed through a similar chaotic stage before settling into its present architecture. Embryos that grow too fast gravitationally scatter smaller neighbours; those that collide merge; some are ejected entirely.

Forming Solar System with Twelve Protoplanets

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