The probable trajectory of the ninth planet in night sky?

In summary, the trajectory and position of the ninth planet suggested by Konstantin Batygin and Michael E. Brown on January 20, 2016 is still unknown and has not been evaluated. However, based on one of their simulations, the planet is estimated to have a mass greater than 10 times that of Earth, an inclination of 30 degrees, an eccentricity of 0.6, a semimajor axis of 700 AU and a semiminor axis of 550 AU. The argument of perihelion is 150 degrees but the direction of the perihelion, aphelion and ascending node are unknown. The analysis is not yet complete and there may be other possibilities that have not been
  • #1
sami_m
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What would be the propable trajectory and position of the ninth planet that has been suggested few days ago (20.1.2016 by Konstantin Batygin and Michael E. Brown) ?

if i understood correctly, the exact position of the planet is unknown and has not been evaluated.

But by looking this article http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/0004-6256/151/2/22/pdf
the orbital elements and physical properties they used in one of their simulation looks like to be (page 9 second column)

[itex] m > 10 m_{earth} [/itex] mass
[itex] i = 30 ° [/itex] inclination, this would mean that the estimated trajectory is a great circle that is in the 30° angle to the celestial equator. But i don't know what is the direction of the perihelion, aphelion or ascending node?
[itex] e = 0.6 [/itex] eccentricity
[itex] a = 700 Au , b = 550 Au [/itex] semimajor axis and semiminor axis
[itex] ω = 150 ° [/itex] argument of perihelion (from what direction?)

but i don't know how to estimate error limits. Also the discussion section says that the analysis is not yet complete and other possibilities may not be excluded.
 
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  • #2
There are are a couple of parameters missing from that list if you wanted to locate the planet or plot its trajectory:
The longitude of the ascending node
The mean anomaly at a given epoch. (basically, you have to know at what point of its orbit it is in on some date to know where it will be at some other date.)

Also, the inclination is measured with respect to the ecliptic, not the celestial equator.
 
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  • #3
If we knew the exact orbital parameters, we wouldn't call it "Planet Nine". It would be observed in a telescope and would have a real name.
 
  • #4
Vanadium 50 said:
If we knew the exact orbital parameters, we wouldn't call it "Planet Nine". It would be observed in a telescope and would have a real name.

they don't mention there the orientation of the orbit, is it because , if the perihelion is of the orbit is slowly migrating, then the orientation can be anything now?
 

1. What is the ninth planet and why is its trajectory in the night sky important?

The ninth planet, also known as Planet Nine or Planet X, is a hypothetical planet beyond Neptune in our solar system. Its trajectory in the night sky is important because it can help us understand the structure and evolution of our solar system, and potentially provide clues about the formation of other planetary systems.

2. How do scientists predict the trajectory of the ninth planet in the night sky?

Scientists use mathematical models and data from the known planets in our solar system to predict the trajectory of the ninth planet. These models take into account the gravitational influences of other planets and objects in our solar system, as well as the laws of motion.

3. Is the trajectory of the ninth planet constant or does it change over time?

The trajectory of the ninth planet is likely not constant. It is believed that this planet takes around 10,000 to 20,000 years to complete one orbit around the sun, and its orbit may be influenced by other objects in our solar system. Therefore, its trajectory in the night sky may change over time.

4. Can the ninth planet be seen with the naked eye in the night sky?

No, the ninth planet cannot be seen with the naked eye in the night sky. It is estimated to be about 10 times the mass of Earth and located about 20 times farther away from the sun than Neptune. This makes it too dim to be seen without the aid of advanced telescopes.

5. When will the ninth planet be visible in the night sky?

Currently, the ninth planet has not been directly observed, so it is impossible to determine when it will be visible in the night sky. However, with ongoing research and advancements in technology, it is possible that we may be able to observe this planet in the near future.

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