Scientists say a 'Planet Y' could be hiding in our solar system
Scientists propose that a potential Planet Y may exist beyond Neptune, prompting a re-evaluation of our solar systems structure and the definition of planets.
- Astronomers speculate that Planet Y could reside in the Kuiper Belt, an area populated with icy bodies beyond Neptune, suggesting more undiscovered planets exist.
- This theory builds on the search for Planet Nine, a hypothetical planet larger than Earth, influencing the orbits of other celestial objects in the solar system.
- The reclassification of Pluto as a dwarf planet in 2006 has spurred ongoing debates about the criteria for planetary status, impacting how we understand our solar system.
Why It Matters
The discovery of Planet Y could reshape our understanding of the solar system and its formation. This has implications for ongoing astronomical research and our knowledge of planetary dynamics. Scientists and astronomers will continue to explore the Kuiper Belt for evidence of additional celestial bodies, which could redefine planetary classifications.