Hidden Jupiter and Uranus-sized planets may exist at solar system’s edge, scientists suggest

Researchers have indicated that the outer regions of the Solar System may harbor a greater number of interstellar objects than previously hypothesized.

As reported by The Independent, scientists are speculating that large Jupiter and Uranus-sized planets could be concealed within our solar system, potentially located at its outer fringes.

These planets are believed to be trapped within the Oort Cloud, a theoretical shell that astronomers propose marks the gravitational border of the Sun and its associated satellites.

To investigate the ejection and capture of large planets within solar systems, scientists employed sophisticated computer simulations. Such simulations demonstrate that when a planet is flung out of its host star’s gravitational orbit, it requires a significant amount of kinetic energy. Conversely, for another system to capture such a planet, a comparable amount of energy is necessary.

Based on their observations, scientists assert that Oort Cloud planets situated at the solar system’s edge are more likely to have originated from interstellar space rather than being born of the Sun itself.

The researchers estimate that approximately “one in every 200-3000 stars could host an Oort Cloud planet.”