Friday, June 23, 2017

Signs in the Stars

Kuiper Belt tilt suggests a mysterious planetary mass lurks in the outer solar system - UPI.com
UPI reports: "Astronomers have yet to confirm the existence of a ninth planet lurking beyond Pluto. But new analysis of the Kuiper Belt suggests a planetary mass is likely hiding in the outer reaches of the solar system. [...] But why haven't astronomers observed a ninth planet directly? Volk and Malhotra say scientists haven't looked that hard. [...] Researchers hope the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, which is scheduled to make its first observations in 2020, will help scientists solve the mystery of the missing ninth planet."

Comment: This is standard sensational reporting in that the planet (if it is there) is hardly lurking or hiding (which implies intent), it's simply very far away, doesn't reflect much light and has not yet been discovered. Yeah, it's hiding because, you know, it's a shy planet.

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