According to a new study, there may be a planet of similar size to Mars at the edge of the Solar System. Astrophysicists estimate that mathematically, there is a likelihood of 1.2 such planets with a greater mass than Mars, 2.7 with a comparable mass, and 5.2 with a mass similar to Mercury.
Has this planet been discovered yet?
No. Currently, there is no concrete evidence of the existence of this planet. It is merely a theoretical calculation based on mathematics.
What are dwarf planets?
Dwarf planets are celestial bodies that are larger than asteroids and planetoids but smaller than typical planets like Earth or Mars. In the Kuiper Belt, three known dwarf planets exist: Pluto, Haumea, and Makemake.
What are free-floating planets?
Free-floating planets are planets that have detached from their stars and have begun to wander freely throughout the galaxy. They are not associated with any specific star system. The first free-floating planets were observed in 2000.
What is the probability of the existence of this planet?
The probability of the existence of this planet is based on mathematical modeling and numerical estimations. The scientist used information about the number of exoplanets in the Milky Way and the percentage of stars that could capture such planets to calculate the probability of this planet passing close enough to the Solar System to be captured by the Sun’s gravity.
Can this planet have an impact on the Sun?
Yes, if this hypothetical planet comes close enough to the Sun, its gravity could affect the Sun. Similar phenomena are observed on a smaller scale with Jupiter. However, it is speculated that these free-floating planets may not remain free-floating forever, as they could be captured by other stars in the space.
Can this planet be discovered in the future?
It cannot be ruled out that a planet of similar mass and location could be discovered in the future, but currently, we have no observational evidence confirming the existence of this planet.
Has the study been corroborated by other sources?
We have no information regarding other scientific sources confirming this study.
Source: Science Alert
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