What does "proposed mechanism" mean in this sentence?

Question

Hi all, just happened to read a science news from Washington Post about astronomy. The extracted paragraph is as below:

"For the first time, astronomers have spotted a system with more than one star in the very earliest stages of its formation. Their findings, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, help support one of several proposed mechanisms by which scientists think these multistar systems might form."

I find it difficult for me to understand the term "proposed mechanism" here in the sentence, because it's somewhat abstract.

It would be much appreciated if someone can explain the term for me. Thanks in advance!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

orion921proposed mechanism

= suggested method/means

CalifJim · Answer

orion921I find it difficult for me to understand the term "proposed mechanism" here in the sentence, because it's somewhat abstract.

Actually, it's not all that abstract. The difficulty is more that a lot of meaning is packed into just two words.

In the given context, mechanism is a lot like way, with an emphasis on the principles of physics. The mechanism by which anything happens in the physical world is the series of steps (or physical events) which explain how it works. So the scientists are trying to explain the way that multistar systems form in terms of the events that happen to make these systems form. Some scientists have set out for the consideration of others (i.e., proposed) one explanation; others proposed another; others, still another. So there are several explanations that have been put forward of the way these systems are formed. Or, in different words, there are several mechanisms that have been proposed to explain this. These are the "proposed mechanisms".

CJ

Orion921 · Answer

Thank you for your detailed explanation.<img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

CalifJim · Answer

orion921Thank you for your detailed explanation.

You're welcome. I see you've named yourself after the Irish constellation.

CJ

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