Analysis Suggests Solar System Contains Massive Trans-Neptunian Objects

BarbaraHudson writes NBC News reports that at least two planets larger than Earth likely lurk far beyond Pluto, just waiting to be discovered, a new analysis of the orbits of "extreme trans-Neptunian objects" (ETNOs) suggests. The potential undiscovered worlds would be more massive than Earth and would lie about 200 AU or more from the sun — so far away that they'd be very difficult, if not impossible, to spot with current instruments. "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," lead author Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, of the Complutense University of Madrid, said. (Here's the longer version at Space.com.)

Comments

Riiiiight.

[tysonedwards]

Our ability to discern planetary positions has largely been based on our understanding of orbital dynamics and looking for protuberances in the motions of known, directly observed objects that were naked eye observable. This technique has been used since the 16th century and led to discoveries of all Planets, Planetoids, various Asteroids, Comets, and Plutoids ever since without the need of direct imaging; just some very cool math...

I still think Pluto is a planet

[HangingChad]

I think Pluto got robbed.

Re:Planet X / Nibiru !!!

[Urkki]

I think Jupiter makes sure any highly elliptical orbit coming near Jupiter's orbit would not last too many orbits before having it's orbit radically changed, like happens with comets sooner or later if they survive long enough otherwise.

Re:Probe

[stjobe]

You recall correctly; Pluto hasn't even made it half a lap around the sun since we discovered it.

It was discovered in 1906, 108 years ago, and it's orbital period is 247.68 years.