A model of Mars-like protoplanets shed light on early solar activity

A scientist from Siberian Federal University (SFU) and his colleagues from Austria and Germany constructed a physical and mathematical model of Mars- and Venus-sized planet formation. The team concluded that Mars had no chances to develop a thick atmosphere and biosphere. In the case of Venus, it depended on solar activity: According to the scientists, it managed to keep its atmosphere due to the fact that young sun was not very active. The study was published in Icarus.