Origin of the Solar System and its elements

Formation of the Solar System from heterogeneous debris of a supernova (SN) that exploded 5 billion years ago was recorded as (1) inter-linked chemica l and isotopic heterogeneities in meteorites, (2) higher levels of extinct nuclides in grains that trapped larger isotopic anomalies, (3) the physical properties of grains mentioned in part (2), and (4) patterns of isotopic a nomalies in meteorites, in the solar-wind, and in solar flare particles. Th e Sun formed on the SN core, and planets formed in a rotationally-supported , equatorial disk of SN debris. Interiors of the Sun and the inner planets accreted first in a central, Fe-rich region surrounding the SN core. These were layered as condensate from other parts of the SN fell toward the conde nsing Sun. Elements in outer SN layers formed low-density, giant Jovian pla nets. Intra-solar diffusion enriches hydrogen and lighter isotopes of indiv idual elements at the Sun's surface.