Caltech astronomers locate orbit of Planet X, but no planet -- yet

Planet is likely to exist at twice the distance of Neptune.

Scientists have concluded that a ninth planet orbits the Sun, and it is very likely to be large, but extremely distant. Their conclusions are based on its influence on other objects far beyond the orbit of Neptune.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) - Two Caltech astronomers have found good evidence that a ninth planet exists about two times the distance from Earth to Neptune. Michael E. Brown and Konstantin Batygin have published what they say is research that shows a path in space is being cleared by a massive planet far beyond Neptune.

A planet, by definition, must be the master of its orbit, clearing out any other smaller objects in its way. That telltale signature has been located around 5 billion miles away from the Sun, almost twice the distance to Neptune.

Pluto, which for a long time was considered a planet, does not clear out a path along its orbit, so it was demoted to the status of "minor planet" in 2006. Because of that demotion, the next planet found will be the ninth planet.

The Caltech duo published their findings that show six small objects, which orbit beyond Neptune, have curious orbits that would be nearly impossible without the presence of a large planet at extreme distance. The six objects are all tilted at the same angle in their orbits. Such a configuration is only possible if the planets are herded by something much larger.

The distant planet might be almost the size of Neptune, according to their calculations.

The data they have collected allows astronomers to plot the planet's orbit, but despite this, they have not actually located the planet itself. So now a rush to discover the planet begins.

At 5 billion miles, the Sun would appear only as a bright star. The amount of light striking the planet's surface, then being reflected back to Earth, would be so minuscule as to be virtually undetectable. Only a very powerful telescope has the chance to catch this elusive behemoth.

Astronomers believe the space beyond Neptune and Pluto is well populated with small, icy worlds. Most will be nearly impossible to detect, but locating these objects and researching them could yield clues to the formation of the solar system.

Locating a major planet could also help solve mysteries such as why comets may tend to swarm towards the Sun at great intervals.