Astronomers reveal evidence for a hidden 'Planet Y' beyond Neptune

The distant corners of our solar system might harbor a new planet. Astronomers have detected strange tilts in far-off Kuiper Belt objects, which indicate the presence of a hypothetical Planet Y.

What are the signs of Planet Y's presence?

Planet Y has not been seen directly, but its effect can be seen. Scientists analyzed about 50 icy bodies beyond Neptune and discovered unexplained orbital tilts. These tilts cannot be explained by passing stars or standard planetary formation models. Lead author Amir Siraj said the planet is likely smaller than Earth yet bigger than Mercury, orbiting far from the Sun, as reported by CNN.

The concept of hidden planets beyond Neptune is not new. Searches for Planet X began after Neptune’s discovery in 1846. Pluto was originally a contender but later reclassified as a dwarf planet because of its size. Planet Y differs from the previously proposed Planet Nine, which is thought to be five to ten times Earth’s mass and orbit much farther out.