Astronomy

The nebular theory is a name for the idea that the Solar System formed from a rotating cloud (nebula) of gas and dust. Is it really possible for science to inform us about things that may have happened billions of years ago?  To address this question, test the nebular theory of the formation of the solar system against each of the three hallmarks of science discussed in the posted note Nature of Science in Week 1.  Be as detailed as possible in explaining whether nebular theory does or does not satisfy these hallmarks.  Use your explanations to decide whether the theory can really tell us about how our solar system formed.  Explain and defend your answer. 

Hallmarks of Science:

1. Science seeks explanations for observed phenomena that rely solely on natural causes.

2. Science progresses through the creation and testing of models of nature that explain the observations as simply as possible.

3. A scientific model must make testable predictions about natural phenomena that would force us to revise or abandon the model if the predictions do not agree with observations.