The mysterious “Planet Nine” may be hiding in our solar system

For many years, scientists have been putting forward new theories about what is mysterious Planet 9 on me. It has not been detected yet, but the orbits of other objects in this region indicate the presence of a massive object.

➤ Read more: Planet 9 could be a wandering black hole

The latest theory comes from researchers Patrick Sofia Likavka (Kennedy University) and Takashi Ito (National Astronomical Observatory of Japan). They explain how an Earth-like planet could hide in our solar system.

Ice world at the edge of the solar system

In an inclined orbit, there could be a dark ice world. She shouldn’t go any further 500 astronomical units (75 billion km) away from the sun. For comparison: Neptune It’s about 30 au away from the sun.

Indications for the existence of such a planet are given by the so-called Trans-Neptunian Objects (TNOs)Which lies beyond the orbit of Neptune. While observing these objects, researchers previously discovered that TNOs cluster together in clusters.

Planet theory 9

In these groups they move in inclined orbits. This may mean that they are affected by a larger body. 2016 So he was first dated Planet 9 to speak. At the time it was assumed that the planet could 6.3 times They are more massive than Earth and have at least one orbit 460 AU Far from the sun.

But already 2008 Likawa and Tadashi Mukai (Kobe University) suspected that there might be a planet hiding in the Kuiper Belt at the outer edge of the Solar System. Researchers have now expanded this theory.

This is how the planet affects objects in the Kuiper Belt

You explain which ones 3 properties The presence of such a planet in the distant Kuiper belt can be explained: “a prominent group of TNO objects with orbits outside the gravitational influence of Neptune, and a large number of objects with high mile And having some extreme bodies with it odd orbits“, Write in their studies. It was published in the specialized journal The Astronomical Journal.

More precisely, so that the angle of inclination is more than 45 degrees Some TNO bodies have been annotated. Objects such as dwarf planets Our master with very elongated orbit That could explain it too.

It is no more than three times the size of Earth

The planet must be in between 1.5 and 3 land masses have and 250 to 500 astronomical units Lie out of the sun. The angle of inclination should be 30 degrees. Their gravity would cause the TNOs to clump together 150 AU They have been removed, according to the researchers.

These objects can help TNO find the planet. Studying their behavior could provide new clues to a possible planet. If one can prove existence, that would also provide new insights into existence Planet composition And that outer solar system bring.