Conventional theory maintains that planets are formed through a process in which gravity pulls dust and interstellar rocks into an asteroid belt, and that this disc of rubble is subsequently pulled together to form planets.

The rubble itself is believed to be the remnants of supernova explosions that have obliterated not only their central sun but also orbiting planets and moons.

Current theory

The asteroid belt has been used as proof of this theory. The idea is that Jupiter, with its gravitational pull, allowed for the formation of the asteroid belt. But disrupted the subsequent formation of a proper planet.

This story conveniently ignores the fact that gravity does not in fact work the way that the model proposes. Gravity associated with asteroids is much too weak to compact interstellar dust into planets. So, the mechanism they promote is an impossibility.

Alternative theory

An older theory regarding the asteroid belt makes more sense. In this theory, an existing planet called  Phaeton was blown to bits by Jupiter. The leftover debris of this event gave us Ceres and the Asteroid belt.

Rogue planet blowing up Phaeton

The energy required to blow a planet into asteroid sized fragments is so great that it must have been electrical in nature. A collision between two planets would not have produced the relatively small fragments that makes up the asteroid belt.

Newly proposed theory

However, conventional science doesn’t allow for electricity to play a major role in astronomy. So, any conventional alternative to the dominant theory has to invoke multiple collisions. Which explains why a newly presented alternative does just that.

The theory proposes that no less than five large rocks collided multiple times to produce the asteroid belt as we know it today.

So, astronomers appear to be waking up to the impossibility of their current model. They are opening up to the fact that the asteroid belt is the debris of a violent event. But in their eagerness to hold on to their gravity only view of the universe they move from the sublime to the ridiculous.

Why on Earth would five planets suddenly decide to gang up on each other at a random place between Jupiter and Mars?