Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Scientists have announced the discovery of compelling evidence suggesting the presence of an undiscovered planet within our solar system.
Astronomers have long speculated about the existence of an unseen planet, dubbed "Planet Nine", to explain peculiar behaviour observed at the solar system's outer edges.
Konstantin Batygin, a key proponent of the theory, has claimed that recent findings provide the most robust statistical evidence yet supporting the existence of Planet Nine.
Credit: NASA
Researchers have focused on trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), celestial bodies located beyond Neptune, whose erratic movements indicate interactions with hypothetical distant planets.
By studying TNOs affected by gravitational perturbations from Neptune, scientists have sought to decipher the underlying mechanisms shaping their trajectories.
Through comprehensive simulations, the research team has concluded that the observed TNO behavior aligns best with the presence of an undiscovered planet.
While alternative hypotheses exist, such as past planetary influences or passing stars, researchers argue that the Planet Nine theory remains the most plausible explanation.
Prospects for verifying the existence of Planet Nine will improve with the activation of the Vera C Rubin Observatory in Chile, which will enable thorough sky surveys.
The study, titled 'Generation of Low-Inclination, Neptune-Crossing TNOs by Planet Nine', underscores the ongoing quest to unravel the mysteries of our solar system's outer realms.