DR. SKY BLOG

What do astronomers believe Planet 9 looks like?

Feb 21, 2017, 7:28 AM

(Flickr/
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)...

(Flickr/ NASA Goddard Space Flight Center)

Evidence has been building of a huge planet, known to astronomers only as Planet 9, which may be lurking at the outer regions of the solar system.

Other models show something is pulling objects that lie in a region of the solar system called the Kuiper belt, which is behind Neptune.

But what is causing this? Astronomers believe a large planet — Planet 9 — that may take up to 21,000 years to orbit the sun has the potential to fit this evidence.

Planet 9 could be as much as 10 times bigger than Earth and 75 times more distant than Pluto. But good news: You can help discover this new planet, right from the comfort of your own home.

Arizona State University astronomer Adam Schneider is heading a new citizen-science website called Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, which allows anyone to search through images to discover new objects in space.

And you get to take the credit if you find something, just like Clyde Tombaugh did when he found Pluto in 1930, right here in Arizona.

Good luck!

Get your very own Dr. Sky February star chart.

Dr. Sky Blog

(Pixabay Photo)...

Steve Kates

In February, skywatchers will see beautiful full snow moon, maybe even a comet

Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) is streaking along our skies. If you want to see it, grab a pair of binoculars or a telescope.

1 year ago

This split image shows the difference between an active sun during solar maximum (on the left, capt...

Steve Kates

Hot news: Solar Cycle 25 is ramping up the sky show in 2023

The sun is now in the process of showing us its real power during the long-awaited Solar Cycle 25.

1 year ago

(Pexels Photo)...

Steve Kates

Sirius: The brightest star in the night sky comes into view

Our January night sky offers up some really amazing sights and some include viewing that brightest star in the sky in remote locations.

1 year ago

(Pixabay Photo)...

Steve Kates

New comet to streak across skies before end of January

Get set for a new comet coming our way! Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF can be viewed with binoculars in the early morning sky later this month.

1 year ago

(Pixabay Photo)...

Steve Kates

Why we kiss under the mistletoe, tracking Santa and other holiday rituals

As we celebrate the holidays and Christmas, we look for some time to relax with loved ones and enjoy many of the traditions that have come from the distant past!

1 year ago

(Pixabay Photo)...

Steve Kates

Sky events to look forward to in 2023 include a rare eclipse and meteor showers

We've got a new year to look forward to great events in our skies after a terrific 2022.

1 year ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Here’s 1 way to ensure your family is drinking safe water

Water is maybe one of the most important resources in our lives, and especially if you have kids, you want them to have access to safe water.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

The 51st annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade is excitingly upon us

The 51st annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe is upon us! The attraction honors Arizona and the history of the game.

(KTAR News Graphic)...

Boys & Girls Clubs

KTAR launches online holiday auction benefitting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley

KTAR is teaming up with The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley for a holiday auction benefitting thousands of Valley kids.

What do astronomers believe Planet 9 looks like?