Planetary formation is the scientific study of how planets, moons, and other celestial bodies are formed within a solar system. This field of research examines the processes and conditions that lead to the creation of planets, such as the accretion of dust and gas within a protoplanetary disk, the collision and merging of smaller bodies, and the role of gravity and other forces in shaping the final structure of a planet. Scientists use a combination of observational data, theoretical models, and computer simulations to understand the complex and dynamic processes involved in planetary formation. This research area helps to answer fundamental questions about the origins and evolution of our own solar system, as well as other planetary systems in the universe.