TORONTO, January 20, 2016 – New research has suggested the possibility of a massive ninth planet, possibly 10 times Earth’s mass, in the far reaches of our solar system. If it exists, it’s thought to orbit the Sun every 10,000 to 20,000 years.

Although it hasn’t been detected directly, California Institute of Technology researchers say its existence is inferred from its influence on the orbits of several other outer Solar System Kuiper Belt Objects.

“Precedent exists for such a planetary discovery as the planet Neptune was discovered in 1846 because of its perturbing influence on the planet Uranus,” says York U physics and astronomy senior lecturer Paul Delaney. “Speculation, however, for the presence of a planet beyond the orbit of Dwarf Planet Pluto is common, but to date, no solid evidence for such a new planet in our Solar System exists.” Has this now changed?

The following experts are available:

·    Paul Delaney, York U senior lecturer
·    Ray Jayawardhana, dean, York U Faculty of Science

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Media Contacts:
Sandra McLean, York University Media Relations, 416-736-2100 ext. 22097 /sandramc@yorku.ca