Abstract

A new formula for the distribution of matter in the solar system is derived by assuming that the planets were formed from trapped particles of a cosmic dust disk attached to the Sun. Contrary to Boltzmann's distribution which predicts thermal collapse of this cloud on the Sun, it is found that if the primeval particles move on circular orbits according to Kepler's law, then their velocities obey a 2-D global Maxwellian and their distribution in space is given by p(0) (r)=(alpha /r(2)) exp (-alpha /r) (Km(-1)); alpha = 888.73 x 10(6) Km. The form of p(0) (r) agrees with the observed mass distribution of the planets and explains their present large angular momentum.