What cosmic catalyst is suggested by recent astrophysical modeling for the Solar System's formation?

Answer

The gravitational interaction with the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy (Sgr Dwarf).

Recent astrophysical modeling, strengthened by data from missions like the Gaia observatory, points away from older theories suggesting the Sun and planets formed in relative isolation, possibly due to a local supernova shockwave. The current leading hypothesis centers on a much larger, more violent cosmic event: a galactic merger. Specifically, the theory posits that the gravitational influence exerted by the Sagittarius Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy (Sgr Dwarf), a smaller satellite galaxy currently being consumed by the Milky Way, provided the necessary external impetus. This interaction created the specific physical conditions required for the large-scale compression of interstellar material needed to initiate stellar birth.

What cosmic catalyst is suggested by recent astrophysical modeling for the Solar System's formation?

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How Did Our Solar System Get Here? | Universe | BBC Earth Science

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