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Electric charges on dust grains may help explain how planets are born

A lab experiment suggests electrostatic forces are key to overcoming the ‘bouncing barrier’

protoplanetary disk

Planets get their start when dust particles clump together in a protoplanetary disk around a young star (illustrated). An experiment shows that electric charges may build up on these particles, helping clumps grow.

L. Calçada/ESO

By Emily Conover

- More than 2 years ago

Read another version of this article at Science News Explores

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