Magnetic fields matter New study of a carbonaceous chondrite meteorite suggests that magnetism must be considered in simulations of planetary system formation. (Courtesy: Hernán Cañellas)"> Magnetic fields matter New study of a carbonaceous chondrite meteorite suggests that magnetism must be considered in simulations of planetary system formation. (Courtesy: Hernán Cañellas)

The oldest known solids in the solar system contain evidence that the protoplanetary disc that went on to form the planets around our Sun experienced a magnetic field stronger than the field on Earth today, new research suggests. Study of inclusions in a primordial meteorite called a carbonaceous chondrite indicates that magnetism needs to be considered in simulations of planet formation, and may even be the dominant factor.

When planetary systems condense, they initially form high-temperature molecular nebulae. These later cool and accrete into planets surrounding central stars – which, at some point, begin to undergo nuclear fusion.…