Searching for the Ninth Planet: Solar System Migration

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence of a potential Ninth planet in our solar system and the concept of planetary migration. Participants explore the implications of current definitions of planets, the characteristics of Trans-Neptunian bodies, and historical discrepancies in the orbits of known planets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the solar system hosts a Ninth planet, referencing the IAU's definition of a planet which includes criteria that may exclude certain bodies.
  • Others cite research by Trujillo & Shepherd (2014) suggesting that the orbital characteristics of Trans-Neptunian bodies could indicate the presence of a massive body, though its existence remains unconfirmed and interpretations of the data vary among researchers.
  • There is a mention of ongoing discrepancies in Neptune's orbit that were expected to be resolved by the discovery of Pluto, indicating unresolved questions in the field.
  • One participant challenges another's authority on the subject, questioning their credentials and the accuracy of their claims regarding astronomy.
  • A participant identifies themselves as an astrophysicist and acknowledges a lack of awareness regarding the resolution of the discrepancy in Neptune's orbit, indicating a gap in knowledge among participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of a Ninth planet and the implications of planetary migration. There is no consensus on the interpretation of orbital discrepancies or the validity of the definitions used in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various studies and definitions, but there are limitations in the assumptions made regarding the definitions of planets and the interpretations of orbital data. The discussion reflects ongoing debates in the field without resolving these complexities.

wolram
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Does our solar system host a Ninth planet, If so has our solar system under gone planetary migration?
 
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Examination of the orbital characteristics of Trans-Neptunian bodies suggested to Trujillo & Shepherd (2014) that these characteristics were the likely consequence of a massive body of super-Earth dimensions. Its existence has not been confirmed by direct observation and not all researchers agree with the interpretation of the data. Such a body would certainly meet the first two definitions of a planet as noted by Drakkith, but it would be difficult to determine whether or not it met the third. (The third requirement was always, in my view, a poor constraint, constructed to eliminate Pluto, Sedna and the like, but not well conceived to deal with novel discoveries.)

A more recent discussion of the concept can be found in this paper by Khain et al (2018).

In regard to migration practically all hypotheses for solar system formation include migration, but the details (timing and bodies involved) differ from explanation to explanation.
 
There's still a discrepancy in the orbit of Neptune that the discovery of Pluto was supposed to solve yet didn't...so there's still that unanswered question!
 
alantheastronomer said:
There's still a discrepancy in the orbit of Neptune that the discovery of Pluto was supposed to solve yet didn'

Astronomy magazine disagrees with you: http://www.astronomy.com/magazine/ask-astro/2017/01/planet-nine-effect

I have to ask - are you actually an astronomer? That is, someone paid to do astronomy? Your message seems to be authoratitative, but often contradict what I know about astronomy (and I have only a MS in that field, and even that is in "physics and astronomy". My PhD is in physics only)
 
Actually, I'm an astrophysicist, but that was too many characters for physics forums to accept as my name, so I shortened it. I'm currently not employed nor affiliated with any institution. I went to grad school in the early eighties before Voyager II reached Neptune, so I was unaware that the discrepancy had been resolved - thanks for alerting me to this development!
 
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