New Horizons flyby of Arrokoth reveals how planets are formed

The video discusses two main theories of planet formation: hierarchical accretion, where smaller objects collide at high speeds to form larger structures, and cloud collapse, where matter gently clumps together at low speeds. NASA's New Horizons spacecraft explored the Kuiper Belt and conducted a flyby of the ancient planetesimal Era Cough. Studies published in the Journal of Science analyzed high-resolution photos of Era Cough, revealing no evidence of violent impacts, suggesting a gentle accumulation of matter. Simulations indicate that Era Cough's two parts formed independently from the collapse of the same cloud and eventually merged.

Which theory of planet formation involves smaller objects colliding at high speeds?

• Gravitational Pull

• Orbital Resonance

• Hierarchical Accretion

• Cloud Collapse

What is the main characteristic of the Cloud Collapse theory?

• High-speed collisions

• Gentle clumping of matter

• Rapid rotation

• Formation of gas giants

What was the destination of NASA's New Horizons spacecraft?

• Asteroid Belt

• Mars

• Kuiper Belt

• Oort Cloud

What did the analysis of Arrokoth's photos reveal?

• Signs of volcanic activity

• Presence of water ice

• Evidence of violent impacts

• Gentle accumulation of matter

How did Arrokoth's two parts form according to simulations?

• By gravitational capture

• From different clouds

• Through violent collisions

• Independently from the same cloud