In the search for a mysterious planet in our solar system, scientists have now discovered more evidence that hints at the existence of “Planet Nine” or “Planet X” in our solar system.
For years, astronomers have been on the lookout for the mysterious planet in our solar system.
However, as per a recent study, “a new line of evidence supporting the existence” of the planet suggests that it is likely to be orbiting beyond the planet Neptune around the Sun.
The undiscovered planet will help explain the unusual orbits of a series of objects which are present on the edge of our solar system, reported The Independent.
In the new study, astronomer Konstantin Batygin and his team wrote about their findings.
The study focuses on a “more conventional class” of trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), which means any minor planet which orbits the sun at a greater average distance than Neptune.
The study has also studied the objects which have crossed Neptune and how the orbits were affected, while considering the passing stars and the Galactic tide, according to the outlet.
“The solar system’s distant reaches exhibit a wealth of anomalous dynamical structure, hinting at the presence of a yet-undetected, massive trans-Neptunian body — Planet 9,” states the study.
“Previous analyses have shown how orbital evolution induced by this object can explain the origins of a broad assortment of exotic orbits, ranging from those characterized by high perihelia to those with extreme inclinations,” the study added.
Elsewhere in the study, it is stated that the team’s “calculations show that the distribution of the observed orbits strongly supports the presence of the unseen planet.”
Scientists hope to soon discover mysterious planets
Even though the planet has not been discovered yet, the team has been hoping to make a breakthrough discovery with the help of the Vera C Rubin Observatory which is under construction in Chile currently.
“With an 8.4-metre mirror and the largest camera ever built for astronomy and astrophysics, Vera C. Rubin Observatory will capture the cosmos in exquisite detail and help answer some of our biggest questions about the Universe,” confirmed the observatory’s website.
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“This upcoming phase of exploration promises to provide critical insights into the mysteries of our solar system’s outer reaches,” said Batygin and his team, in the study.
The study was conducted by scientist Michael E. Brown who spoke about where Planet Nine is likely to be.
“We have ruled out most of the places where the planet could be,” said the astronomer, while speaking to Live Science. “Now we have to do the much harder job of searching the area that is further away,” he added.
(With inputs from agencies)