What is Planet Nine and Is It Really Out There?

TL;DR

Planet Nine is increasingly likely to exist, as evidence mounts from irregular orbits of trans-Neptunian objects affected by its gravity. Estimates suggest it could be 2 to 4 times the size of Earth and may be an ice giant similar to Uranus or Neptune. Its discovery could reshape our understanding of the solar system.

Transcript

One of the more interesting prospects in space related news today is the growing possibility of a ninth planet existing in the outer solar system. Unlike much of what I cover on this channel, the existence of another large planet in our solar system is not really in unlikely territory anymore, but rather mounting evidence makes it now seem very pos... Read More

Key Insights

• 🚵 The existence of a ninth planet in our solar system is becoming more probable due to mounting evidence of its effects on the outer solar system.
• 🛰️ The irregular orbits of trans-Neptunian objects and their similarities indicate the presence of a large planet perturbing their orbits.
• 🥶 Planet 9 is estimated to be 2 to 4 times the size of Earth and may be an ice giant similar to Neptune or Uranus.
• 🤩 Its origin within our Solar System is most likely, but there is also a possibility of it being captured from another star or formed in the outer solar system.
• 💆 If Planet 9 exists, it could potentially be responsible for some past mass extinctions on Earth, although its long orbital period makes this unlikely.
• 🧘 The discovery of more objects with orbits consistent with Planet 9's existence will further solidify its position in the scientific community.
• 📛 The naming of Planet 9 would likely follow the naming scheme of other celestial bodies in our solar system, with a Greek or Roman deity name.

Questions & Answers

Q: What evidence supports the existence of a ninth planet in our solar system?

The irregular orbits of trans-Neptunian objects such as Sedna and 2012 VP 113, as well as the discovery of more objects with consistent orbits, suggest the presence of a large planet.

Q: How big is Planet 9 estimated to be?

Based on the effects it has on other objects, Planet 9 is believed to be 2 to 4 times the size of Earth, possibly making it an ice giant similar to Neptune or Uranus.

Q: Where might Planet 9 have originated from?

While it's most likely to have originated within our Solar System, there is also a possibility that it was captured from another star or formed in the outer solar system.

Q: Will Planet 9 be classified as a planet?

Yes, if it exists, it would meet the criteria required for a planet based on its size and gravitational effects.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The outer solar system is chaotic and filled with objects that have highly elliptical orbits, suggesting the presence of a large planet perturbing their orbits.

• The discovery of objects with orbits consistent with the existence of Planet 9 is increasing the likelihood of its existence.

• Planet 9 is estimated to be 2 to 4 times the size of Earth and may be an ice giant similar to Neptune or Uranus.