Mysterious Planet 9 might be tilting the whole solar systemOctober 22, 2016 - 15:38 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The unusual orbit of the hypothetical 'Planet 9' could explain one of the mysteries of the Solar System – why the Sun appears to be tilted. A team of scientists has said the angular orbit of Planet 9 would influence the orbits of the rest the planets in the Solar System – creating the 6 degree tilt we see, IB Times reports. Planet 9, which is said to be about 10 times the size of Earth, has long been predicted to exist by scientists, but until recently there was no evidence for it. However, earlier this year a team at Caltech noticed several objects in the Kuiper Belt with unusual orbits. These unusual orbits could be explained by the presence of a massive planet sitting at the edge of the Solar System, producing a gravitational effect on the objects. From the orbits of the Kuiper Belt Objects, scientists were able to work out the size and mass of the planet, along with its orbit around the Sun. Unlike the other eight planets in the Solar System, Planet 9's orbit sits on an angle of around 30 degrees compared to the other planets. By examining what effect Planet 9 would have on the rest of the Solar System, scientists found evidence to show its existence would explain the unusual tilt of the sun – a feature that has so far defied explanation. The team, from Caltech, are set to publish their study in the Astrophysical Journal. They presented their findings at the American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Sciences. All of the known planets in the Solar System orbit the Sun within a couple of degrees of each other, on a flat plane. However, this plane is at a 6 degree tilt to the Sun, making our star look like it is at an angle, when really it should all be aligned. Mike Brown, who predicted the existence of Planet 9 with Konstantin Batygin in January, said: "It's such a deep-rooted mystery and so difficult to explain that people just don't talk about it." By carrying out mathematical calculations of Planet 9's orbit and the effect it would have on the rest of the solar system, scientists discovered it would explain the tilt of the rest of the planets – its angular momentum produces a force on the rest of the Solar System's spin. The 6 degree tilt fits with their calculations perfectly. "Because Planet 9 is so massive and has an orbit tilted compared to the other planets, the solar system has no choice but to slowly twist out of alignment," says Elizabeth Bailey, lead author of the study. "It continues to amaze us; every time we look carefully we continue to find that Planet 9 explains something about the solar system that had long been a mystery," Batygin added. Photo: Reuters Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |