Question

A new planet currently being called “Planet X,” has been discovered orbiting the Sun between Uranus and Neptune. Based on the trends you have identified within our solar system, predict the characteristics of the new planet by filling in the blanks below. Then, explain the reasoning you used to make your predictions.

Planet X
A. Distance from the Sun: ____ AU
B. Orbital Period: ____ years
C. Planet Composition: ____
D. Temperature: ____
Explanation: ___

Answer 1

The newly discovered planet, called Planet X, is likely to be a gas giant similar to Uranus or Neptune due to its location between Uranus and Neptune in our solar system. Gas giants generally have large radii and atmospheres primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with less dense rocky cores.
The distance between Uranus and Neptune is approximately 30 AU, so we can predict that Planet X will have a similar distance.
Given Planet X's estimated distance of 30 AU, we can expect its orbital period to be longer than that of the inner planets, and possibly comparable to that of Uranus or Neptune, which have an orbital period of around 200-250 years.
Since Planet X is likely to be located beyond the frost line, where icy materials can accumulate, it may have a lower temperature compared to the inner planets. Uranus, for example, has a temperature that ranges from -193°C to -214°C due to its distance from the Sun. Therefore, we can predict a temperature for Planet X of around -200°C or lower.