When was the solar system formed
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Formation of the Solar System: A Comprehensive Overview
Solar System Formation Timeline: 4.56 Billion Years Ago
The formation of the Solar System is widely accepted to have occurred approximately 4.56 billion years ago. This conclusion is drawn from extensive studies of meteorites, the structure of the current Solar System, and observations of star-forming regions Russell2007Nimmo1986. The process began with the collapse of an interstellar gas cloud under its own gravity, leading to the formation of a dusty disc around the newly formed Sun Russell2007Okrusch2020.
Initial Stages: From Gas Cloud to Dusty Disc
The initial collapse of the interstellar gas cloud resulted in the formation of a protoplanetary disc. This disc, composed of gas and dust, eventually led to the creation of small planetary bodies known as planetesimals. These planetesimals served as the building blocks for the planets Russell2007MacPherson2011. The presence of short-lived radionuclides in early Solar System materials suggests that a nearby supernova may have triggered the collapse of the gas cloud, injecting these radionuclides into the forming Solar System .
Meteorites: Clues to Early Solar System History
Meteorites provide critical evidence for understanding the early history of the Solar System. The most common type, chondrites, formed from the accretion of material in the dusty disc and were heated, likely by radioactive decay, leading to metamorphosis . Calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) in meteorites are considered the oldest solids in the Solar System, dating back to 4.568 billion years ago, marking the beginning of the Solar System's formation .
Formation Environment: Star Clusters and Protoplanetary Discs
The Solar System likely formed in a star cluster containing at least 1,000 stars. This cluster environment influenced the chemical composition and orbital parameters of the Solar System's bodies . The high density of starburst clusters makes them an unlikely environment for Solar System formation, suggesting that a leaky cluster, often classified as an OB association, is a more probable birthplace .
Evolution of the Solar Nebula and Planet Formation
The evolution of the Solar Nebula, the disc of gas and dust surrounding the proto-Sun, played a crucial role in planet formation. The dissipation of the Solar Nebula occurred within a few million years, while the differentiation of asteroidal-sized bodies took between 5 to 15 million years. The terrestrial planets, including Earth, formed over approximately 100 million years, incorporating already differentiated bodies Alexander2001Montmerle2006.
Conclusion
The formation of the Solar System, a process that began around 4.56 billion years ago, involved the collapse of an interstellar gas cloud, the formation of a protoplanetary disc, and the accretion of planetesimals. Meteorites provide valuable insights into this early history, while the cluster environment and the evolution of the Solar Nebula significantly influenced the development of the Solar System. Understanding these processes helps us comprehend not only the origins of our own planetary system but also the formation of other star systems in the universe.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic