Exploring the Mystery of Planet 9

What initially led astronomers to suspect the existence of a ninth planet?

• The discovery of a new star

• A new theory about black holes

• Unusual movements in the Kuiper Belt

• Changes in the Sun's orbit

What is the primary composition of the Kuiper Belt?

• Rocky asteroids

• Icy asteroids

• Gaseous clouds

• Metallic debris

What was the primary goal of Mike Brown and Constantine's computer simulations?

• To find new stars

• To predict the orbits of Kuiper Belt objects

• To measure the size of the Sun

• To calculate the distance to Mars

What is the significance of the object 2012 DR30 in the study of Planet 9?

• It is a newly discovered planet

• It has an orbit that matches predictions

• It is the largest object in the Kuiper Belt

• It is a comet heading towards Earth

What was the reaction when the simulation results matched the observational data?

• Disappointment

• Excitement and realization

• Skepticism

• Indifference

What is the estimated mass of Planet 9 compared to Earth?

• Similar to Earth's mass

• Twice the mass of Earth

• Ten times the mass of Earth

• Half the mass of Earth

Why is it challenging to observe Planet 9 directly?

• It is too close to the Sun

• It is incredibly faint and far away

• It moves too quickly

• It is hidden behind another planet

What is the main reason for the difficulty in detecting Planet 9?

• Its rapid movement

• Its small size

• Its faintness and distance

• Its location behind the Sun

How does the scale model help in understanding Planet 9's orbit?

• By showing its color

• By predicting its future path

• By comparing it to Earth's orbit

• By illustrating its distance from the Sun

What is the estimated distance of Planet 9 at its farthest point from the Sun?

• 112 billion miles

• 50 billion miles

• 200 billion miles

• 19 billion miles