How long ago do scientists think the solar system formed? (1 paint)
To determine how long ago scientists think the solar system formed, one could refer to scientific research and theories in the field of astronomy. The most widely accepted estimate is that the solar system formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago. This age is based on various lines of evidence, including the age of the oldest rocks on Earth and the Moon, the decay rates of radioactive isotopes in meteorites, and observations of other star-forming regions in the galaxy.
Scientists arrived at this estimation by studying the formation and evolution of stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. They have used computer modeling, observations of protoplanetary disks around young stars, and the analysis of meteorites and space rocks to piece together the timeline of our solar system's formation.
By examining the composition and isotopic ratios of these materials, scientists can determine their age and understand the processes involved in their formation. This information, combined with astronomical observations and simulations, has led to the current understanding that the solar system originated from a giant molecular cloud around 4.6 billion years ago.
It's worth noting that scientific knowledge is continually evolving, and new discoveries may further refine our understanding of the solar system's formation. Nonetheless, the 4.6 billion-year estimate is currently widely accepted in the scientific community.