
-
A Nine-Planet Solar System Once More? NASA Telescope May Reveal New Planet, Tyche
Evidence gathered by the NASA space telescope, Wise, could prove that this gas giant is hidden in the outer Oort Cloud, the most remote part of the solar system. The suspected planet has been named Tyche (pronounced ty-kee) by the two astrophysicists proposing it for “planet” status, Daniel Whitmire and John Matese from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The first batch of data on Tyche is due to be released in April. After that, the planet may reveal itself within two years, say the two scientists. “If it does, John and I will be doing cartwheels. And that’s not easy at our age.” Professor Whitmire said.
Once Tyche has been located, it is up to the International Astronomical Union (IAU) whether or not it gains full “planet” status. The main problem the IAU could have with the proposal is that Tyche probably formed around another star and was later captured by the sun’s gravitational field. They might even have to create a whole new category for the gas-ball giant.