In a groundbreaking discovery, two Japanese astronomers have presented intriguing evidence of an “Earth-like planet” nestled within our own solar system, residing in the enigmatic Kuiper Belt. This circumstellar disk is composed of celestial objects scattered throughout the outer realms of our solar system, just beyond Neptune’s orbit. Much like planets, these Kuiper Belt objects gracefully orbit the Sun.
“We posit the existence of Earth-like planets,” affirmed the Japanese researchers, adding, “It is conceivable that a remnant of a primordial planet may endure within the distant Kuiper Belt, much like numerous such celestial bodies that thrived in the early days of our solar system.”
The duo, consisting of Patryk Sofia Lykawka from Kindai University in Osaka and Takashi Ito from the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan in Tokyo, detailed their findings in a scholarly paper published in The Astronomical Journal. They propose that if this newfound celestial body indeed exists, it would measure between 1.5 to 3 times the size of Earth.
Over the past decade, numerous studies have sparked speculation regarding the hypothetical presence of a celestial body in the outermost reaches of our solar system, colloquially known as “Planet Nine.” However, this fresh research suggests the possibility of an even closer celestial neighbor within the Kuiper Belt.
“We propose the existence of an Earth-like planet and multiple trans-Neptunian objects following peculiar orbits in the outer solar system, which can serve as empirically verifiable markers of the purported planet’s gravitational influences,” as articulated by the research team. Through an analysis of the clustering patterns of these trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs), the researchers propose that this elusive planet could be situated at a distance of approximately 200 to 500 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun, inclined at an angle of around 30 degrees. To provide context, Pluto, a well-known Kuiper Belt object, is situated 39 AU from Earth.
In closing, the research team emphasized, “In summary, the observations within the Kuiper Belt support the theory of an undiscovered planet within the outer realms of the Solar System. A more comprehensive comprehension of the orbital framework within the distant Kuiper Belt has the potential to either corroborate or dispel the presence of this theoretical celestial body within our outer solar system.”
As this extraordinary astronomical revelation continues to unfold, scientists and stargazers alike eagerly anticipate further insights that may unveil the existence of this hitherto concealed “Earth-like planet” within the cosmic tapestry of our solar system.
