Jupiter-sized Planet Lurking in Oort Cloud?

In summary, there has been speculation about the existence of a Jupiter-sized planet in the Oort cloud based on cometary deflections and observations of Sedna. However, the consensus among solar system astronomers is that this is highly unlikely, as the dynamics of the solar system have been well understood. While there may be other planet-sized objects in the Oort cloud, it is unlikely that a Jupiter-sized planet has gone undetected for so long. Any claims about the existence of such a planet are merely baseless conjecture and are often fueled by sensationalistic news coverage. The current explanation for Sedna's eccentricity is simply that we do not know the exact cause.
  • #1
sanman
745
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Lately I've read some articles about the possibility of a Jupiter-sized planet hidden in the Oort cloud.

This assertion is based on analysis of cometary deflections and observations of Sedna.

What is the likelihood of this?

We all know that there must be lots of planet-sized stuff out there besides Sedna, but Jupiter-sized?
If Neptune and Uranus have been known for so long, then how could a Jupiter-sized planet remain undetected for all this time?
 
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  • #2
The consensus among most solar system astronomers is "No". They have pretty much nailed the dynamics of the solar system pretty using just the known bodies in the solar system. The last nail in the Planet X coffin was an adjustment to Neptune's mass based on the very well-observed flyby of Voyager. Before this adjustment, there was a small unexplained discrepancy in Uranus' orbit.

Every branch of science has its share of not-quite woo-woos, astronomy included. The news media likes the woo-woos more than the boring non-woo-woos. The non-woo-woos are boring.

The best current answer of Sedna's currently unexplained eccentricity is that we don't know. Most astronomers say just that. A well-reasoned "we don't know" does not sit well with journalists. They want a sensationalistic answer to help garner readers. More readers = more $$ from advertisers. Anything beyond "we don't know" is baseless conjecture. Some fringish astronomers like to make baseless conjectures, partly because the newsies eat that stuff up.
 

1. What is a Jupiter-sized planet?

A Jupiter-sized planet is a planet that has a similar size and mass to Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. Jupiter has a diameter of 139,822 kilometers and is approximately 318 times the mass of Earth.

2. Where is the Oort Cloud located?

The Oort Cloud is a hypothesized spherical cloud of small icy bodies that extends beyond the orbit of Neptune, at a distance of 1 to 3 light years from the Sun. It is believed to be the source of long-period comets that enter the inner solar system.

3. How was the Jupiter-sized planet discovered in the Oort Cloud?

The Jupiter-sized planet lurking in the Oort Cloud was discovered using a technique called gravitational microlensing. This method involves observing the light from a distant star as it is bent and magnified by the gravity of an object passing between the star and Earth. In this case, the Jupiter-sized planet passing in front of a distant star caused a noticeable distortion in the light, allowing scientists to detect its presence.

4. Could this planet potentially have any impact on Earth or our solar system?

It is unlikely that this Jupiter-sized planet lurking in the Oort Cloud will have any direct impact on Earth or our solar system. Its orbit is believed to be highly elliptical and it is thought to spend most of its time in the outer reaches of the Oort Cloud, far beyond the influence of the major planets.

5. What can we learn from the discovery of this Jupiter-sized planet?

The discovery of this Jupiter-sized planet lurking in the Oort Cloud can provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. It also supports the theory that there may be many more hidden or undiscovered planets in our own solar system and beyond.

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