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New Extremely Distant Solar System Object Found During Hunt for Planet X
The search for Planet X has led to the discovery of a new extremely distant solar system object. This object, named 2015 TG387, is believed to be a dwarf planet and is located about 80 astronomical units (AU) from the sun. This discovery is significant because it provides further evidence for the existence of Planet X, a hypothetical ninth planet in our solar system. In this article, we will delve deeper into the discovery of 2015 TG387 and its implications for the search for Planet X.
What is 2015 TG387?
2015 TG387 is a dwarf planet located in the outer reaches of our solar system. It was discovered by a team of astronomers led by Scott Sheppard of the Carnegie Institution for Science. The object is estimated to be about 300 kilometers in diameter and has an elongated orbit that takes it as far as 2,300 AU from the sun at its most distant point. This makes it one of the most distant objects in our solar system.
How was 2015 TG387 discovered?
The discovery of 2015 TG387 was made using the Subaru telescope in Hawaii. The team of astronomers used a technique called "differential tracking" to identify the object. This involves taking multiple images of the same area of the sky over a period of time and looking for objects that move relative to the background stars. By tracking the motion of 2015 TG387, the team was able to determine its orbit and distance from the sun.
What does the discovery of 2015 TG387 tell us about Planet X?
The discovery of 2015 TG387 provides further evidence for the existence of Planet X, a hypothetical ninth planet in our solar system. The orbits of several other distant objects, including Sedna and 2012 VP113, have also been found to be clustered in a way that suggests the presence of a large, undiscovered planet. The discovery of 2015 TG387 adds to this evidence and suggests that Planet X may be even further from the sun than previously thought.
Why is the search for Planet X important?
The search for Planet X is important because it could help us better understand the formation and evolution of our solar system. The existence of a large, undiscovered planet could explain the unusual orbits of several distant objects and provide insights into the early history of our solar system. Additionally, the discovery of Planet X could have implications for the search for life beyond our solar system. If there are other undiscovered planets in our own solar system, it suggests that there may be many more planets in the universe waiting to be discovered.
What's next for the search for Planet X?
The discovery of 2015 TG387 is just the latest development in the ongoing search for Planet X. Astronomers will continue to search for other distant objects and study their orbits in order to better understand the possible presence and location of Planet X. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, which is set to begin operations in 2022, will be particularly useful in this regard. This telescope will be able to survey large areas of the sky and detect faint objects that are currently beyond our reach.
Conclusion
The discovery of 2015 TG387 is a significant development in the search for Planet X. This distant object provides further evidence for the existence of a large, undiscovered planet in our solar system. The ongoing search for Planet X is important because it could help us better understand the formation and evolution of our solar system, as well as the possibility of life beyond our own planet.
FAQs
1. What is Planet X?
Planet X is a hypothetical ninth planet in our solar system that has not yet been discovered.
2. How was 2015 TG387 discovered?
2015 TG387 was discovered using the Subaru telescope in Hawaii and a technique called "differential tracking."
3. What is the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope?
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope is a telescope that is set to begin operations in 2022. It will be able to survey large areas of the sky and detect faint objects that are currently beyond our reach.
4. Why is the search for Planet X important?
The search for Planet X is important because it could help us better understand the formation and evolution of our solar system, as well as the possibility of life beyond our own planet.
5. What's next for the search for Planet X?
Astronomers will continue to search for other distant objects and study their orbits in order to better understand the possible presence and location of Planet X. The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope will be particularly useful in this regard.
This abstract is presented as an informational news item only and has not been reviewed by a subject matter professional. This abstract should not be considered medical advice. This abstract might have been generated by an artificial intelligence program. See TOS for details.