Scientists have hypothesized the existence of an undiscovered planet in the outer solar system, based on the unusual orbit of objects beyond Neptune. This potential ninth planet was proposed in a study published in The Astronomical Journal, which examined the orbits of objects in the Kuiper Belt.
The Kuiper Belt, located beyond the orbit of Neptune, is a disc-shaped region that spans a distance 50 times that between the Earth and the sun. It is home to dwarf planets like Pluto, Makemake, and Eris, as well as comets and other intriguing objects known as Trans-Neptunian Objects.
The Orbit of Sedna
One of the Trans-Neptunian Objects, named Sedna, has an orbit that stands out. This icy, reddish object takes approximately 40 Earth-days to complete one rotation and was discovered in 2003. Sedna’s orbit is highly elongated and eccentric, requiring 11,400 years to orbit the sun. Some scientists have previously suggested that Sedna could serve as evidence for the existence of a “Ninth Planet,” but the new claim is different.
The paper argues that the orbits of Sedna and other Trans-Neptunian Objects, along with the existence of numerous TNOs beyond Neptune’s gravitational influence, can be explained by the presence of an Earth-sized planet. The simulations demonstrate that this hypothetical planet would need to be approximately 1.5 to 3 times the mass of Earth, positioned around 250 to 500 Earth-sun distances from the sun, and inclined at an angle of 30° to the plane of the solar system. The authors refer to this as the “Kuiper Belt Planet scenario.”
Implications of the Discovery
If confirmed, the existence of this new Earth-like planet in our solar system would significantly impact our understanding of planetary science. The discovery would mean that the solar system consists of nine planets once again, challenging the definition of a planet and necessitating revisions to theories of solar system and planet formation.
The theory can be put to the test. If astronomers can locate a cluster of TNOs situated approximately 150 times the distance between the Earth and the sun, it could serve as evidence for the presence of the ninth planet, albeit one that is incredibly distant. Even the search for TNOs alone could yield valuable insights into the nature of the Kuiper Belt.
“With the discovery of even a few such new TNOs, our understanding of how the solar system formed could undergo a revolution,” said Patryk Sofia Lykawka, one of the study’s authors.
In conclusion, the possibility of a new Earth-like planet existing in our solar system has captured the scientific community’s attention. Further exploration and observation will be needed to confirm or reject this intriguing hypothesis.
Wishing you clear skies and wide eyes.
