Question

What experimental evidence have scientists collected in the last 20 years that supports the idea that Jupiter migrated inward toward Sol at some point in the early history of the Solar System?

A) Studies of asteroid compositions and their distribution in the asteroid belt

B) Analysis of gravitational interactions between Jupiter and other gas giants

C) Observations of exoplanetary systems resembling our early Solar System

D) Measurements of Jupiter's magnetic field and its influence on surrounding celestial bodies

Answer 1

Evidence supporting Jupiter's inward migration includes studies of asteroid compositions, gravitational interactions, and exoplanetary system observations. Gravitational forces and computer simulations illustrate profound orbital changes and heavy bombardment periods in the early Solar System.

Step-by-step explanation:

The experimental evidence collected in the last 20 years that supports the idea that Jupiter migrated inward toward the Sun includes the study of asteroid compositions and their distribution in the asteroid belt, analysis of the gravitational interactions between Jupiter and other gas giants, and observations of exoplanetary systems. The gravitational interactions between Jupiter and other gas giants, along with the remnants of the circumstellar disk, suggest that orbital changes in the early Solar System led to the inward migration of Jupiter.

This would have profound effects on the early Solar System, including a period of heavy bombardment witnessed in the oldest lunar craters and the outward movement of Uranus and Neptune. Observations of exoplanetary systems help compare our Solar System's formation with other planetary systems, providing insights into the process of planetary migration. Computer simulations further support the idea of Jupiter's migration by illustrating dynamic changes in planet orbits due to gravitational forces.