Researchers focused on studying the motion of long-period objects (LPOs) that intersect Neptune’s orbit and exhibit irregular orbital patterns. They analyzed these observations by looking at different scenarios using computer simulations.
The simulation took into account the gravitational influence of the giant planets, galactic tides, and their interactions with objects outside our solar system, such as stars. The results showed that the orbits of these LPOs could be explained by the existence of a massive planet-type object located beyond the orbit of Neptune.
In particular, the Ninth Planet hypothesis was found to be statistically significant with a p-value of approximately five standard deviations, a threshold considered highly convincing in physics and astronomy. This suggests that a ninth planet is likely to exist. Although the researchers acknowledge the possibility of other forces affecting trans-Neptunian objects, they consider them much less likely.
The existence of Planet Nine is expected to be further confirmed with the opening of an observatory in Chile. The locally powerful telescope will provide the data necessary to clarify ideas about the outer part of the solar system.
Source: Ferra
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