Our solar system better look out; there may be a new planet in town. Astronomers conducting research from California Institute of Technology Centers have found reasons to believe that a planet exists beyond the edges of our solar system. Planet Nine, also called Planet X, is suspected to be located past comets, asteroids, and Pluto, in the Kuiper Belt. Since the beginning of the new year, scientists and research volunteers have devoted their time physically looking for the planet and watching movements of surrounding objects in the Kuiper Belt.

 For starters, the Kuiper Belt has been experiencing unusual movement these past two months. Astronomer Mike Murray and other scientists have determined that the only way objects in the Kuiper Belt would be moving in the pattern they are is if there was the gravitational pull of a planet present. Some of the most powerful telescopes on Earth are on constant standby awaiting confirmation for Planet Nine. Junior Will Fasano said, “I hope this new planet is real because that’d be awesome to have another planet that we could possibly learn about in school!”

 Only the most powerful telescopes on Earth are able to confirm Planet Nine’s existence, and for now astronomers are studying its movements and patterns to get a better idea on what its mass, shape, and orbit size are like. What scientists know now is that Planet Nine is a gas giant. This possibly icy-surfaced giant is estimated to have the mass of ten Earths. Planet Nine is also known to have a highly elongated orbit, which can fall anywhere between 10,000 and 20,000 years to complete a full orbit, which is an average of 20 times longer than Neptune’s orbit.

 Aside from its bizarre motion patterns, Planet Nine is much more than what meets the eye, or what will meet the eye, when spotted. Due to its position in the Solar System, this planet holds the opportunity to unravel more about how the universe was created. Senior Anya Johnson said, “Outer space is so amazing; you think you have a grasp on what’s out there, but then you find a new planet. There’s always something new to learn or find.” In addition, discovering this planet could result in finding out more information about the universe and what else is past the orbit of Pluto. This research could lead to more evidence and information about the Kuiper Belt as well.

 With increasing research efforts and determination alone, astronomers will reveal the truth one way or another. Thanks to Caltech and astronomers around the world, the discovery of a new planet is soon on the horizon. If and when this planet is spotted, Earth’s astronomers and inhabitants will be watching.