The Universe in 101 words: Is there a Planet 9?

Above: Pluto and Charon in all thir weird glory, coutesy of  NASA.

A lot of people felt that Pluto’s demotion to ‘Dwarf planet’ was unfair, especially as it’s turned out to be so interesting.... ..although, personally, I don’t think Pluto cares’ much what it’s called: World’s generally don’t. 

But the Kuiper belt – the ring of icy worlds that surrounds the solar system - has turned out to be full of weird worlds as big and as fascinating as Pluto – which means that either we had to change Pluto’s status or make school wallcharts of the solar system absurdly long. 

Now astronomers think they’re closing in on a true Planet 9…

Want to get direct links to our sources, and to stories we didn't have time to write about? Then you might like to subscribe to the Ancient Solar System News Round Up...

* indicates required

Email Address *

Last Name

First Name