According to new study conducted by a team of scientists in Spain and the UK indicates that there might be two more planets beyond Pluto. The conclusion was made by the scientists after studying the orbits of several “Extreme trans-Neptunian Objects (ETNOs),” which are cold, frigid bodies orbiting the sun in large, elliptical paths beyond Neptune.
After the complete analysis of the 13 objects, researchers found that the orbits of these planets are different from those predicted in the theories of formation of solar system. According to the previous theory, these objects should have an average distance of 150 Astronomical Units where 1 AU is the distance from Earth to the sun, roughly 93 million miles. But the researchers said in a statement that ETNOs were found to have widely-varying orbits, ranging from 150 AU to 525 AU.
Based on the studies made, scientists contemplated that there could be at least two undiscovered planets who are affecting the orbits and the distribution of ETNOs by their gravitational pull.
“The exact number is uncertain, given that the data that we have is limited, but our calculations suggest that there are at least two planets, and probably more, within the confines of our solar system. If it is confirmed, our results may be truly revolutionary for astronomy.” Carlos de la Fuente Marcos from the Complutense University of Madrid and the study’s co-author, said in a statement.
However, According to the researchers using current instruments, detecting the undiscovered worlds beyond Pluto might be extremely difficult or may be impossible as they are extremely distant from the planet Earth.
via Our solar system may be hiding 2 undiscovered planets: Study says | Geek Infinite.
News 