Science
How long would it take to reach Planet 9, if we ever find it?
Some experts believe that we could be just a few years away from discovering the elusive "Planet Nine" — or ruling out the existence of the hypothetical world for good.
Planet Nine: Is the search for this elusive world nearly over?
Read more:
—5 space discoveries that scientists are struggling to explain
—8 strange objects that could be hiding in the outer solar system
—Vera C. Rubin Observatory: The groundbreaking mission to make a 10-year, time-lapse movie of the universe
But if we do find it, how long would it take for us to send a spacecraft to the far-flung world? And could humans ever make the trip?
Planet Nine is the name given to a proposed planet supposedly lurking near the edge of the solar system. If it exists, Planet Nine is likely a dark, gas or ice giant planet somewhere between five and 10 times the mass of Earth that circles the sun on a highly elliptical, or stretched, orbit — out of sync with the rest of the planets.
Researchers suspect Planet Nine is out there because around a dozen objects beyond the orbit of Neptune, move as if a large object is tugging on them. However, finding this missing world has proved to be extremely tricky.
But some astronomers believe Planet Nine could be discovered within the next few years once the state-of-the-art Vera C. Rubin Observatory starts to survey the night sky in late 2025.
Related: Elusive Planet Nine could be surrounded by hot moons, and that's how we'd find it
If Planet Nine is ever detected, space agencies like NASA will want to send a probe to visit the distant world. But first, they will have to plan and get approval for such a mission.
-
Science17h ago
You Won’t Want to Miss October’s Rare Comet Sighting. Here’s How and When You Can See It
-
Science1w ago
A New Spacecraft Could Help Determine if There’s Life on a Moon of Jupiter
-
Science2w ago
We Can Thank Deep-Space Asteroids for Helping Start Life on Earth
-
Science2w ago
Stranded Astronauts Set to Come Home After SpaceX Capsule With Extra Seats Reaches ISS
-
Science2w ago
'Every volcano has its own personality': Mystery Mount Adams earthquake surge under investigation
-
Science2w ago
Earth's crust may be building mountains by dripping into the mantle
-
Science2w ago
How strong can hurricanes get?
-
Science2w ago
32 things on Mars that look like they shouldn't be there