A recent study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters investigates the potential existence of Mars-sized free-floating planets (FFPs)—also known as rogue planets, starless planets, and wandering planets—that could have been captured by our sun's gravity long ago and orbit in the outer solar system approximately 1,400 astronomical units (AU) from the sun. For context, the farthest known planetary body in the solar system is Pluto, which orbits approximately 39 AU from the sun, and is also part of the Kuiper Belt, which scientists estimate extends as far out as 1,000 AU from the sun.

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[–] Cicraft@lemmy.world 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I thought planets needed a cleared orbit by definition

[–] chuckleslord@lemmy.world 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

These wouldn't be planets formed here, but captured from other solar systems, so different rules apply. Pluto is from here, so it gets no such exception.

[–] itsnotits@lemmy.world -5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

from other solar systems

There are no other solar systems. There is only one solar system in the universe — the system of Sol (the Sun).

[–] folkrav@lemmy.ca 1 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

Nobody calls it “Sol” except video games and movies. And while you’re technically right, it’s easily fixed by saying “planetary system” instead. Finally, everyone still understood, which is the whole point of language, so I’d say pointing this out is more pedantry than anything. Which, looking at your comment history, seems to be your thing lol