Do Stars Precess? Exploring the Planet 9 Claim

  • B
  • Thread starter newjerseyrunner
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Stars
In summary, the conversation discusses the theory of Planet 9 and its claim that the planets orbit 6 degrees off from the rotation of the sun. The speaker suggests that a simpler explanation for this could be that the sun itself turned, as all spinning objects go through precession. They also mention the possibility of the sun being hit by proto-planets in its early days, causing it to wobble. The topic of Pluto and other trans Neptune objects having even more out of line orbits is also brought up, and the most plausible explanation for this is believed to be the nearby passage of other stars in the past. The speaker notes that this would have happened millions or billions of years ago, making it impossible to identify which stars could have caused the
  • #1
newjerseyrunner
1,533
637
I read that part of the planet 9 claim is that the planets orbit 6 degrees off from the rotation of the sun. Since we're we're made from the same disk, it should be the same.

Isn't a simpler explanation for at least that claim that the sun itself simply turned? Don't all spinning object go through precession or are stars super stable? The sun probably was hit by proto-planets of various sizes in its early days, shouldn't that start it wobbling?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Pluto and other trans Neptune objects have orbits even more out of line with axis of the Sun's rotation.
The most plausible explanation I have heard for this is the nearby passage of other stars in the past disturbing their orbits.
Inner planets, whilst still affected would not be disturbed so much as the Sun's gravity is more predominant for them.
This would have been several millions or billions of years ago though, so there there is no chance of identifying which stars could have been involved.
They might not even be visible to us now anyway if the culprits are red dwarf stars, (which are by far the most numerous type of stars.
 
  • Like
Likes CalcNerd

Related to Do Stars Precess? Exploring the Planet 9 Claim

1. What is precession and how does it apply to stars?

Precession is the gradual change in the orientation of an object's rotational axis. In the case of stars, this refers to the slow movement of the star's rotational axis over time. This phenomenon is caused by the gravitational pull of planets and other objects in the star's orbit.

2. What is the "Planet 9" claim and how does it relate to star precession?

The "Planet 9" claim, also known as the "Planet X" hypothesis, suggests the existence of a ninth planet in our solar system beyond Neptune. This hypothetical planet is thought to have a large mass and a long, elliptical orbit, which could potentially explain the observed precession in the orbits of distant objects in our solar system.

3. How do scientists study star precession and the potential effects of Planet 9?

Scientists use various methods such as computer simulations, mathematical models, and observations of distant objects to study star precession and the potential influence of Planet 9. They also analyze data from telescopes and spacecraft to gather evidence and support their theories.

4. Is there solid evidence for the existence of Planet 9?

While there is strong evidence for the existence of Planet 9, it has not been directly observed or confirmed yet. The hypothesis is based on mathematical models and observations of distant objects, but further research and observations are needed to definitively prove its existence.

5. What are the implications of the "Planet 9" claim for our understanding of the solar system and beyond?

If Planet 9 does indeed exist, it could significantly change our understanding of the solar system and its formation. Its presence could also have implications for the orbits and movements of other planets and objects in the solar system. Furthermore, studying the effects of Planet 9 could provide valuable insights into the formation and evolution of other planetary systems in the universe.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
48
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
17
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
23
Views
4K
Back
Top