Astronomers continue their quest to identify elusive outer solar system bodies. Recent studies suggest a possible Earth-sized Planet X might influence the orbits of distant celestial objects. This hypothesis stems from observed orbital patterns among Trans-Neptunian and Kuiper Belt Objects, indicating a potential gravitational anomaly far beyond Neptune.
The search for Planet X has spanned decades, with no substantial discoveries since Neptune’s identification in 1846. Previous efforts have primarily focused on direct imaging, which has yet to yield evidence of such a large planet. However, the newly proposed method offers a different approach by utilizing occultation events to infer the presence of Planet X indirectly.
How Will the Occultation Array Work?
The proposed system involves deploying 200 telescopes, each 40 centimeters in diameter, spaced 5 kilometers apart across a 1,000-kilometer span. This configuration allows multiple telescopes to observe the same region of space from varied angles, increasing the likelihood of detecting occultations caused by distant objects. By analyzing these events, astronomers can map the orbits and sizes of Trans-Neptunian Objects with greater precision.
What Are the Expected Outcomes?
Over a decade-long study, the array is anticipated to identify approximately 1,800 new TNOs. This extensive data collection could reveal patterns indicating the presence of a five Earth-mass body situated around 800 astronomical units from the Sun. Such findings would provide the necessary evidence to confirm or refute the existence of Planet X.
How Cost-Effective Is the Project?
The entire array is estimated to cost around $15 million USD, a relatively modest investment for such an ambitious project. Even if Planet X remains undiscovered, the initiative would significantly enhance our understanding of the distant solar system and the dynamics governing small celestial bodies.
Previous searches for Planet X have primarily relied on direct observation techniques, which have proven challenging due to the planet’s faintness and immense distance. The occultation array represents a novel strategy that leverages coordinated observations to overcome these limitations, potentially offering a more feasible path to detection.
Innovative approaches like the occultation array could transform our ability to explore and comprehend the outer reaches of our solar system. By systematically mapping TNOs, scientists can gain deeper insights into the gravitational influences shaping the architecture of distant celestial regions.
Reference: Gomes, Daniel CH, and Gary M. Bernstein. “An automated occultation network for gravitational mapping of the trans-neptunian solar system.” arXiv preprint arXiv:2410.16348 (2024).
