While new research proves that the ninth planet exists, it could also mean doom for the solar system. The hypothetical planet could allegedly eliminate at least one of the giant planets in orbit, and cause the planets to hurl out of space.
In around seven billion years, the sun will reportedly die. It would blow away half of its mass before inflating itself. The earth would be swallowed into it before it fades into an ember. The mass effect will eject Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Jupiter to safe distance.
Yet, this might not be the outcome if there is indeed the existence of a ninth planet. According to Dr. Dimitri Veras of the Department of Physics, Planet Nine could rewrite this occurrence. Rather than pushed away from a safe distance, planet nine may instead be thrust inward into a "death dance" with four other giant planets, particularly Neptune and Uranus.
"The existence of a distant massive planet could fundamentally change the fate of the solar system. Uranus and Neptune in particular may no longer be safe from the death throes of the Sun. The fate of the solar system would depend on the mass and orbital properties of Planet Nine, if it exists," explained Dr. Veras.
Through a unique code, Dr. Veras mapped numerous ways as to where and how the ninth planet could change the solar system's future. Basically, the farther away the planet and the bigger it is, there is likely to be a higher chance that the solar system would experience an even more violent fate.
"The future of the Sun may be foreshadowed by white dwarfs that are 'polluted' by rocky debris. Planet Nine could act as a catalyst for the pollution. The Sun's future identity as a white dwarf that could be 'polluted' by rocky debris may reflect current observations of other white dwarfs throughout the Milky Way," added Dr. Veras.
For now, further research is needed on the existence of planet nine and its effect on the solar system.