There are two main planetesimal formation scenarios - the gravoturbulent collapse of a pebble cloud and the mass accretion in collisions. In this project, they will be analysed concerning the predicted physical properties they implicate for the formed planetesimals. Goal is to determine and quantify properties of planetesimals as many as possible, to investigate if and to which amount evolutionary processes have altered these bodies since their formation in the protoplanetary disk until today. In parallel, we will identify observables and methods from comet observations to evaluate the corresponding physical properties. Finally, we will discuss if and under which conditions it is possible to determine the formation scenario for planetesimals in an unambiguous way.
This project includes numerous collaborations with well-known colleagues from comet observation and modelling. In addition, an international workshop concerning the planetesimal formation is planned, which will be organized in the frame of this project.
