A Quantum Theory of the Origin of the Solar System

Abstract

THE hypothesis of Kant and Laplace that the solar system originated by a gradual process from the contraction of a rotating nebula has become more and more improbable as the theory of such a process was investigated (cf. Jeans¹). As a consequence, catastrophic theories of its origin have been put forward. In these theories another star, or even two stars, passed close to the sun, or collided with it. In this article, which lays no claim to do more than open the discussion of possibilities, I suggest a quite different catastrophic origin, namely, a quantum transaction or perhaps a series of such transactions. I shall try to show that on Milne's² cosmological theory, this is a plausible hypothesis, and further that certain other cosmological problems are made less difficult if it is accepted.