For years, scientists and astronomers have been trying to answer the question of whether there is a 9th planet hidden in our solar system – and if so, how could we find it?

Now, researchers at Rice University claim that they have new elements of the possibility of the “planet nine” – as well as a method to locate it.

Based on complex simulations, scientists claim that there are about 40% chance of hiding in our solar system a nine of the planet, which could be discovered using the Vera C. Rubin observatory in Chile.

‘Frozen’ very far away from the sun

The planet is nine is a hypothetical planet, mentioned for the first time by astronomers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in 2016.

It is said to have a mass of about five to ten times larger than the Earth – to the size of Poseidonia – and turns around the sun far beyond Pluto.

In their new study, according to the Daily Mail, the team began to understand whether the planet could really exist or not.

If there is, the planet nine could help explain the unique orbits of some smaller objects in Kupier belt – an area of ​​frozen debris extending far beyond the trajectory of Neptune.

Using complex simulations, the team concluded that Wide orbit planets, such as the planet nine, are not abnormalities. On the contrary, they are of course by -products of a chaotic early phase in the development of the planetary system.

“When the giant planets hit each other through gravitational interactions, some are very far from their star,” explained André Izidoro, lead author of the study. “If the time and the environment are right, these planets do not jump, but are probably trapped in extremely wide orbits.”

Simulations have shown that the planets are pushed into these broad orbits by internal institutions, before stabilized by the gravitational effect of the nearby stars.

‘When these gravitational’ kicks’ occur just at the right time, The orbit of a planet is disconnected from the inner planetary system“, Said Nathan Kaib, co-author of the study.

‘This creates a planet – One who essentially freezes in place after the flock is dispersed. ” Such a planet could ultimately be the “secret” P9.

Now, the Rice University team is recruiting the powerful Vera C. Rubin observatory in Chile to find the “documents” that will confirm the theory of nine of the planet.

The Astronomical Observatory is at the top of a mountain in Chile, and has the largest camera ever built. In fact, he is going to send his first pictures in the coming weeks.

“With its unparalleled ability to explore the sky in depth and detail, the Observatory is expected to significantly promote the search for remote objects of the solar system, increasing the possibility of nine – or providing the elements needed to exclude its existence.”