A potential new planet, estimated to have a mass between five and ten times that of Earth, remains undetected due to its distance and low luminosity. However, its gravitational influence on trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) has been crucial in inferring its existence. This discovery represents a significant advancement in astronomy and raises new questions about the boundaries of the Solar System and its components.
The discovery is based on a detailed analysis of TNO orbits, small icy bodies located beyond Neptune. Scientists observed movement patterns in these objects that could not be solely explained by gravitational interactions with known planets.
Mathematical models and simulations led by Konstantin Batygin suggested that a massive, unknown object is systematically altering the trajectories of TNOs. This invisible planet appears to exert a gravitational force strong enough to account for these anomalies, despite not being visually detected.
Currently, the extreme distance and low luminosity of this potential planet pose challenges for modern telescopes. To address these limitations, NASA is developing a next-generation telescope specifically designed to explore the most remote regions of the Solar System.
This new instrument will not only confirm the existence of this planet but also open new opportunities to study other unexplored parts of the cosmos. This discovery could herald a new era in space exploration, significantly expanding our understanding of the galactic neighborhood.