‘Planet nine’ might be five years away from discovery
The gas giant is thought to be almost as big as Neptune and orbiting billions of miles beyond Neptune's path distant enough to take 10,000 to 20,000 years to circle the sun.
The gas giant is thought to be almost as big as Neptune and orbiting billions of miles beyond Neptune’s path distant enough to take 10,000 to 20,000 years to circle the sun. (Source: R. Hurt/ caltech)
Scientists say they finally have “solid evidence” for Planet X, a true ninth planet on the fringes of our solar system.
The gas giant is thought to be almost as big as Neptune and orbiting billions of miles beyond Neptune’s path distant enough to take 10,000 to 20,000 years to circle the sun. This Planet 9, as the two Caltech researchers call it, hasn’t been spotted yet. They base their findings on mathematical and computer modeling, and anticipate its discovery via telescope within five years.
You’ve Read Your Free Stories For Now
Sign up and keep reading more stories that matter to you.
The two reported on their research Wednesday in the Astronomical Journal.
Once it’s detected, the researchers insist there will be no Pluto-style planetary debate. They ought to know; one of them, Mike Brown, is the so-called Pluto killer.
