If comet debris is caught in the suns orbit...?

Question

could it all clump together and form a planet someday? Don't laugh! I'm just wondering.

Answer 1

If enough such debris was accumulated in orbits close enough together, then sure. If you're referring specifically to the source of the Perseid meteors, then no. It can't reform.

The reason it's spread out now, is because gravitational interaction with the sun made it spread out. That interaction will interfere with any other clumping process, and prevent it from proceeding.

Answer 2

Depends on how much debris.

Also, all comets orbit the sun anyways. Same with asteroids. The reason asteroids don't clump together is an effect of Jupiter's enormous gravitational pull. The reason comets don't clump is unknown so far, but it is possible there's a giant planet out there close to their orbit that prevents them from joining.

Answer 3

Doubtful, as the Existing Gravity Wells, aka: Planets would Draw it In. Remember, the Smaller Mass will Tend to move towards the Greater Concentrations.

In the Keiper Belt, with no Large Mass to Interfere, it is Possible. The Asteroid Belt is another Possibility.

Answer 4

It depends upon the volume density of the debris . If density is great enough gravity will begin to 'draw' it together...(self gravitate).

Usually because the density is so low this won't happen....this is especially true since the solar wind continues to disperse the debris, having a greater effect upon small particles.

Answer 5

Nobody is laughing, a comet does not contain enough mass to form a planet, it is mostly ice and dirt.