Is a massive, hidden planet lurking at the edge of our solar system?
In short: Astronomers are hunting for a giant world far beyond Neptune. This video explores the gravitational evidence suggesting a massive planet influences the orbits of distant objects in the Kuiper Belt, potentially marking the first major expansion of our solar system's known planetary family in nearly two centuries.
Two astronomers propose that the peculiar movements of the farthest objects in the Kuiper Belt are caused by the gravitational pull of a massive, unseen planet. This hypothetical world orbits at a distance more than 10 times farther from the Sun than Neptune.
The search for this elusive body is currently underway, utilizing advanced equipment like the Subaru Telescope located at the peak of Mauna Kea in Hawai`i. If confirmed, the discovery would represent the first significant addition to our planetary catalog in 170 years.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Evidence for Planet Nine’s Existence I NOVA I PBS
- Also: NOVA | The Evidence for Planet Nine’s Existence | Season 46
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