Ice cold and mysterious, Planet Nine has the potential  to be the “new Pluto”— but this time it could actually be the right size. After studying an area beyond Pluto for a couple of years, it was determined a few weeks ago that there could actually be another planet about the same size as Neptune with “a mass about 10 times that of the Earth,” and which would “take between 10,000 and 20,000 years to make just one full orbit around the sun” (caltech.edu). The discovery has only recently been been headlined in global news, much to the surprise of the public.

Though there are skeptics, the evidence seems undeniable. Two researchers from California Institute of Technology, Konstantin Batygin and Mike Brown, “discovered the planet’s existence through mathematical modeling and computer simulations, but have not yet observed the object directly” (caltech.edu). They stated that Pluto and the many small-bodied objects beyond it all seem to line up in the same area during their orbit of the sun, something that could logically only be a result of an anchoring caused by an actual, very large ninth planet. They hope that this planet, which has not yet been verified by telescope, will encourage people all across the globe to try to find it.

It’s hard to believe, but it is also amazing to hear news about our galaxy in a universe of so many unknowns. Science can be very fickle, however, so there may need to be a bit more visual proof before the whole public believes in the existence of Planet Nine. I was surprised at how much the responses varied after interviewing some of the students and staff of Air Academy about how they felt when they found out about the discovery and if they thought it was legitimate. Below are some responses:

“Just like God, I’ll believe it when I see it. Until then, I say bah humbug.”

-Jake Wilkes

“Honestly, I was really excited. Science is awesome and it’s really great that they’re still finding new things in our universe we didn’t know existed before. It confirms how big and confusing it is, which is sort of scary, but also really exciting because it means the possibilities are endless of what could be out there. I do think it’s legit, but sadly not much can come out of it. I mean it’s farther away from our sun than Pluto— there’s no chance of ever being able to form life on it or anything. Still it’s a really cool thing to have discovered either way.”

-Christina Herrera

“I’m still recovering from the time they no longer had Pluto as a planet. I want Pluto back before I will acknowledge a new planet! Power to Pluto.”

-Mrs. Baack, AAHS Choir Teacher

“So when I first heard about it I was skeptical and doubtful that it was true. However, after researching a bit more about it, it seems plausible. Although it is intriguing that if it does exist, which to my knowledge is still in question, how we were able to go so long without noticing its presence?!”

-Kelsey McKenna

“The chances of there being another planet out there are pretty high because space is, well… big. So I mean I don’t see why it wouldn’t be legit. It would be kind of cool if there actually is one.”

-Lily Lemond

“The best aspect of this new planet is that there are still a ton of things for us to learn and discover in space. A lot of people think we know what there is and don’t understand some of it, but we know it is there. That misconception adds to the mystery and intrigue of space. With advancing technology and new eyes and minds looking for the truth in space there is a whole generation of space exploration occupations available too. The other cool aspect is that this planet was realized in a similar fashion as was Neptune, by using MATH! The existence of Neptune was hypothesized by an astronomer hundreds of years ago, without advanced technology, but based on the gravitational behavior of Uranus in its orbital path. The fact that today’s scientists still allow for this type of observations when they cannot see things is a testament to true science.”

-Mr. Newell, AAHS Astronomy Teacher

Planet or no planet, this “discovery” is sure to continue causing controversy as the story develops further.

Citations:

Fesenmaier, Kimm. “Caltech Researchers Find Evidence of a Real Ninth Planet | Caltech.” The California Institute of Technology. California Institute of Technology, 20 Jan. 2016. Web. 01 Feb. 2016.