ScienceJuly 15, 2026
protoplanet
/ˈproʊ.toʊˌplæn.ɪt/
Definition
A large, embryonic body of rock or icy material in the early stages of planetary formation that has not yet fully grown into a mature planet.
Etymology
The word combines the Greek 'protos' (first or earliest) with the Greek 'planetes' (wanderer). It entered scientific English in the early 20th century to describe the formative stages of planetary bodies.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the original celestial body from which the meteorite likely originated. Identifying this source helps researchers understand the chemical building blocks present in the early solar system.
The 2024 New York City meteorite contains amino acids
Read the full article ↗Science News