Uncovering the Mystery of Potential Mars-Sized KBOs

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential existence of Mars-sized Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) that remain undetected due to their distance and inclination. The 'Planet X' search has largely covered the ecliptic plane, but advancements in infrared telescopes allow for a broader and more sensitive search area. Participants agree that it is plausible for such objects to be discovered in the coming years, alongside the possibility of finding nearby Brown Dwarf stars within a parsec.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs)
  • Familiarity with infrared telescope technology
  • Knowledge of the ecliptic plane in astronomy
  • Basic concepts of Brown Dwarf stars
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advancements in infrared telescope technology
  • Explore the methods used in the 'Planet X' search
  • Investigate the characteristics of Brown Dwarf stars
  • Study the dynamics of objects in the Kuiper Belt
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and space enthusiasts interested in the search for undiscovered celestial bodies and the dynamics of the Kuiper Belt.

Dremmer
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Could one exist that size that we don't know about?
 
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It would have to be *really* far away to have avoided detection by now.
 
IIRC, the 'Planet X' hunt covered much of the plane of the ecliptic, but the new IR telescopes cover a wider field with greater sensitivity: If there is anything, it is waaay out and/or steeply inclined.

So, one or more could show up in the next couple of years.

In a related hunt, IMHO, there's still a chance of finding super-cool 'Brown Dwarf' stars within a parsec...
 

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