Hey! Let's Name That New 'Planet'
The imagined view from "planet nine" back toward the sun. Astronomers think the huge, distant planet is likely gaseous, similar to Uranus and Neptune. Caltech/R. Hurt (IPAC) hide caption
The imagined view from "planet nine" back toward the sun. Astronomers think the huge, distant planet is likely gaseous, similar to Uranus and Neptune.
Caltech/R. Hurt (IPAC)Today we got news that scientists have evidence that points to a super-Earth way out beyond Neptune.
If telescopes can verify its existence, it would become a brand new planet in our solar system. Scientists are, for now, referring to it as Planet Nine. We know we're getting ahead of ourselves, but we think it deserves a better name.
Should it be Plutoo? Or Plutwo? Yeah, we know you can do better. Gives us some suggestions — along with an explanation if it's super cerebral — in the comments. We'll pick the top five and put them up for a vote tomorrow.