On the origin of the solar system

Abstract

3. The essential requirement that the nova must satisfy in the above theory is that the total mass in the form of diffuse gaseous material must be of the order of 1/10 the solar mass, which requirement seems to be consistent with the observations of novae. Thus, although the theory applies explicitly to novae that break into two pieces of stellar mass having a gaseous filament drawn out between them (the pieces may have a mass ratio as great as 5/1), it seems clear that the discussion could be adjusted to include the case of novae following other models.The process described above can be applied to the formation of non-solar planets. The mass of available planetary material depends upon such factors as the mass of the nova and its separation from the companion before outburst. It is to be expected that variations in these factors can lead to planetary masses that vary over a fairly wide range. It follows that since an appreciable fraction of the stars of mass comparable or greater than the solar mass are known to be members of binary systems, the number of planetary systems must be at least of the same order as the number of novae that have occurred in this class of star.