Final answer:
The changing orbits of Jupiter and Saturn may have caused the scattering of asteroids during the solar system's volatile early history, leading to significant cosmic impacts such as the 'heavy bombardment' period. These migrations challenge earlier static views of the solar system, now showing a history of planetary movement and orbital evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the main events during the continued evolution of the solar system up to today is the changing orbits of Jupiter and Saturn possibly causing the period known as the 'heavy bombardment'. These changes in orbits contributed to the scattering of asteroids into the inner solar system, leading to a significant number of impacts reflected in the oldest lunar craters. This was part of a chaotic early solar system where the final stages of planet formation were marked by massive impacts and constant changes in planetary positions.
The orbits of Jupiter and Saturn are particularly influential due to their massive sizes and consequential gravitational forces. The gravity from these giant planets can control the distribution of asteroids and affect the trajectories of other celestial bodies. Their orbital adjustments are thought to have had a profound effect on other planets as well, possibly causing the migration of Uranus and Neptune to their current positions.
Astronomers have now gathered evidence that challenges the traditional view of a static solar system, uncovering a dynamic history that includes planetary migrations and drastic orbital shifts. Current scientific models and computer simulations support this understanding, which aligns with observations of protoplanetary disks and exoplanet systems beyond our own.