Planet Formation through Sequential Accretion

Doug Lin (UCSC) - 6 Feb at 12:00 noon

Based on the data from solar system exploration, observations of protostellar and debris disks, radial velocity searches and transit observations of extra solar planets, we examine several important processes which determine the ubiquity, mass and kinematic distribution of gas giant planets in terms of the sequential accretion scenario. I report here some recent progress in our investigations on the survival of protoplanetary embryos, the onset of efficient gas accretion, the asymptotic mass, and the extent of migration of gas giant planets. I will also discuss some aspects of post formation dynamical evolution which may determine the dynamical configuration of emerging planetary systems. Finally, I will offer some predictions which can be used to distinguish the sequential accretion and gravitational instability scenarios of gas giant planet formation and suggest some key observations which may place constraints on the relative efficiency of various relevent physical processes.

The seminar will be held in 544 Campbell Hall.


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