An unknown force disturbing our Solar System, caused by... Planet Nine?

New evidence supports the hypothesis of an unknown planet, named Planet Nine, located in the outer reaches of our Solar System. This theory is based on observations of icy bodies with elongated orbits that intersect with Neptune's orbit.


First proposed in 2016 by Konstantin Batygin and Michael Brown from Caltech, the existence of this planet is indicated by the particular clustering of trans-Neptunian objects that orbit far beyond Neptune. These objects have high orbital inclinations relative to the ecliptic plane, suggesting an external gravitational influence.

However, the research team recently focused its study on trans-Neptunian objects with low inclinations that show no clustering but have orbits intersecting Neptune's. These observations could counter the criticism that previous conclusions were due to observational bias.

Computer simulations were conducted to evaluate two scenarios: one with a Planet Nine exerting a significant influence on these trans-Neptunian objects, and another without this planet, where only the galactic tide would play a role. The results suggest that trans-Neptunian objects could not regularly cross Neptune's orbit without disruption from this hypothetical ninth planet.


The future Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile will test this theory through its advanced observational capabilities, potentially confirming or refuting the existence of Planet Nine. This astronomical facility could not only validate current evidence but also discover new trans-Neptunian objects influenced by this mysterious force.