The Sun's gravitational reach may extend much further than we imagined
In short: Could our solar system be significantly larger than current maps suggest? New models and observations of distant objects suggest the Sun might capture rogue planets from across the galaxy.
A new analysis of Kuiper Belt objects reveals an average orbital plane tilt of roughly 15 degrees, suggesting the presence of an unseen world. This hypothetical 'Planet Y' would be between the mass of Mercury and Earth, orbiting 100 to 200 astronomical units from the Sun. Scientists are investigating whether this body was ejected from the early solar system or captured as a rogue planet.
Calculations regarding mathematics show that celestial bodies like wandering planets or comets from 3.8 light years away might be drawn into the Sun's grasp. This would mean the solar system's influence extends well beyond the Oort cloud, which is a sphere of trillions of icy objects located more than 1 light year away.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Did the Sun Pull a Rogue Planet Into the Solar System?
- Also: The sun could capture rogue planets from 3.8 light years away | New Scientist
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