Two More Dwarf Planets Likely In Our Solar Systems Orbiting Sun

By Kamal Nayan - 17 Jan '15 11:10AM
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At least a couple of new planets larger than Earth might be present in our solar system beyond Pluto, orbiting sun, according to a new analysis.

An analysis of 13 "extreme trans-Neptunian objects," or ETNOs, showed that the orbits of these objects are different from a theory that predicts the orbits.

"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," Carlos de la Fuente Marcos, scientist at the UCM and co-author of the study, said in a statement Friday.

The analysis has also been based on calculations of the gravitational influences that a large object can have on smaller bodies.

Scientists said these objects could have an average distance to sun of 150 astronomical units and an inclination of 0 degrees. The orbits of the these object, have semi-major axes ranging from 150-525 astronomical units and inclinations of about 20 degrees, they noted.

The analysis noted that the ETNOs are actually frigid bodies like Sedna, a dwarf planet, which orbits around the sun at great distances in elliptical paths.

Marcos added that if the researchers succeed in knowing about these plants, it could be revolutionary for astronomy.

According to scientists, the size of these two new planet could be bigger than Earth. They also said these would lie nearly 200 astronomical units from the sun. Earth is one astronomical unit from the sun.

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