Formation of the saturnian system: A modern Laplacian theory

A modern Laplacian theory for the formation of Saturn and its family of regular satellites is presented. It is assumed that the same physical mechanism was responsible for the formation of both the planetary and regular satellite systems. In particular, it is proposed that each of the clouds which formed Jupiter, Saturn, and the sun possessed a common fraction of supersonic turbulent energy. Basic equations are used to develop a detailed model of the protosaturnian cloud and its system of shed gaseous rings. The time scales governing the accretion of the satellites is estimated, and the relationship of the satellite mass distribution to the gas ring lifetimes is discussed. The thermal evolution of the satellites in the first few hundred million yr of their existence is considered, as is the origin of Titan, whose mass is far too great in the present scheme for it to be a naturally formed moon of Saturn.