Into the Impossible With Brian Keating Planet 9 Evidence Revealed by Caltech Expert [Ep. 481]
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Mar 2, 2025 In this engaging conversation, Konstantin Batygin, a Professor at Caltech and expert in planetary astrophysics, dives into the hunt for the elusive Planet 9. He discusses the strange gravitational forces affecting objects beyond Neptune and why proving Planet 9’s existence is so challenging. The discussion includes captivating insights into Jupiter’s magnetic field and its influence on the solar system. Batygin also shares the importance of new observational technology in this cosmic quest, offering a glimpse into the future of astronomical discovery.
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Pluto's Discovery and Demise
- Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto, initially thought to be a large planet.
- Its small mass was only realized in the 70s with the discovery of its moon, Charon.
N-body Simulations and Their Importance
- N-body simulations are crucial for understanding solar system evolution, offering a "miracle experiment".
- Comparing simulation outputs with night sky observations involves understanding observational biases.
Difficulty of Planet Nine's Discovery
- Planet Nine's discovery is challenging due to unknown orbital phase, unlike Le Verrier's Neptune prediction.
- The focus should be on following the data and taking calculated risks, even with low initial significance.
