After nearly two decades since Pluto was reclassified, astronomers may be on the verge of confirming a ninth planet in our Solar System. A study led by Konstantin Batygin from the California Institute of Technology suggests that a massive celestial body could exist beyond Neptune, influencing the orbits of transneptunian objects (TNOs).
This hypothetical planet, often referred to as 'Planet Nine,' is estimated to have a mass between five and ten times that of Earth. Its location is speculated to be far beyond Neptune, making it difficult to detect due to its distance from the Sun and minimal light reflection.
New telescopes set to launch in 2025, including the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile, are expected to enhance our ability to explore these distant regions. This observatory will provide unprecedented detail in sky observations, potentially leading to the discovery of Planet Nine.
Confirming this planet would significantly alter our understanding of the Solar System, indicating that large planets in extreme orbits may be common in the universe. It would also allow scientists to study planetary formation and dynamics in greater detail.
As we await further developments, the prospect of a new addition to our Solar System remains a thrilling possibility.