Search for Planet 9: Evidence Found in IRAS and AKARI Surveys

Suggestions of a ninth planet in our Solar System have been circulating for years. Some astronomers believe that the behavior of certain objects beyond Neptune indicates the presence of an unknown planet. This theoretical Planet 9, similar to Neptune, is thought to be on an elliptical orbit around 300 Astronomical Units from the Sun.

Despite various surveys, no concrete evidence of this distant planet has been found, leading to a controversial debate. The challenge lies in the vast distance of Planet 9 from the Sun, making it difficult to detect due to minimal light reflection back to Earth.

The search for Planet 9 faces obstacles in terms of observational techniques. The planet's extreme distance and faintness make it elusive to spot using traditional methods. However, utilizing space-based infrared telescopes could offer a more viable approach.

Researcher Terry Long Phan, along with a team from Taiwan, Japan, and Australia, analyzed data from the IRAS and AKARI surveys to identify potential candidates for Planet 9. By examining sources that had shifted position over time, they identified one promising pair that aligns with the characteristics of a Neptune-sized planet in the outer Solar System.

While this discovery is preliminary, further observations are needed to confirm the existence and orbit of Planet 9. Additional studies using advanced telescopes like the DECam could provide more insights into this mysterious celestial body.

According to the source: BBC Sky at Night Magazine.