The modern version of the "origin of the solar system" theory tells of our solar system being formed from a vast, rotating cloud of gas and dust called the solar nebula. If the solar system had not been rotating at all, everything would have fallen directly into the protosun, leaving nothing behind to form the planets. Hence, it is thought that the solar nebula must have had some overall slight rotation.

What are the theories for the initial cause of this spin? Have physicists come up with any? Is there enough knowledge at present to speculate?

Cheers,
Weitzel

Oops I probably should have posted in the Astronomy/Cosmology section. Too late.

http://www.tufts.edu/as/wright_center/cosmic_evolution/docs/text/text_plan_3.html


What caused the cloud instability in the first place? Perhaps the passage of a galactic spiral arm or even a concussion from a supernova explosion; the specific reason is unknown.