An Extra Planet in the Solar System Could Have Prevented Life on Earth, Scientists Just Discovered
Can life on Earth thrive assuming we have an extra planet in the solar system? The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has studied the solar system carefully and declared that there are only eight planets in our star systems after dethroning Pluto to a dwarf planet in August 2006. Despite the official declaration of the IAU, some planetary scientists still hope that an extra planet formed between Mars and Jupiter.
This is because the asteroids within the asteroid belt region between Mars and Jupiter inspired planetary scientists to think that the scattered space rocks should have come together to create a planet. New research conducted by the University of California Riverside never agreed with the assumption earlier made by these researchers. The latest study revealed that adding an extra planet to already existing planets in the solar system would be disastrous for life on Earth.
How Scientists Conducted the Latest Study
Astrophysicist Stephen Kane, working at the University of California Riverside is the researcher behind this latest study. The scientist started the study by activating a dynamic computer simulation of a planet between the region of Mars and Jupiter.
This simulated planet is measured with a range of different masses before evaluating their corresponding effects on the orbits of all the planets in the solar system. Kane said that this fictional extra planet pushed Jupiter and made the gas giant prevent the formation of life in the solar system. He also said that while many scientists wished we had an extra planet, it is quite safe as we don’t have it.
The astrophysicist revealed that having another planet in this region of space could spell disaster on Earth. The scientists also revealed that Jupiter’s massive size could inspire the planet to unveil danger to other planets within the solar system because of its gravitational influence.
The largest planet in the solar system is larger than all the planets combined. Hence, if additional celestial bodies orbit closely to Jupiter, it could trigger the gas giant to cause severe dangers in the solar system.
Why A New Planet Will Eject Other Planets into Outer Space And Prevent Life On Earth
The scientist studied the simulated planet even further and revealed that it has the potential to eject Mercury, Venus, Earth, Uranus, and Neptune from the solar system into outer space. The hypothetical planet will be powerful enough to destabilize all planet’s orbits and drive them into interstellar space.
The scientist also revealed that the Earth’s orbit would change significantly if any extra planet was formed in the solar system. Any change in the Earth’s orbit can make our home planet to become less hospitable to sustain life.
This implies that Earth can move either in an orbit that is closer to the sun or be adjusted farther away from the sun. Kane went further to watch the hypothetical planet after reducing its mass and orbiting the sun between Mars and Jupiter.
The scientist realizes that if the planet is smaller, it will remain in stable conditions for a long period. However, any small move in any direction can make life on Earth impossible.
Kane finalized in the press release, saying that the solar system is actually in a better condition than ever.
Based on the Scientist’s view, other planetary scientists will come to realize that our solar system is much better off the way it is as any slight change could unravel disaster upon life on Earth.
In conclusion, scientific discoveries like this often create room for new knowledge in astronomy. However, newer studies will enable planetary scientists to unlock more mysteries about the solar system and the Universe at large. What do you think about this scientific discovery?
