Join Hugh Ross in this breaking News of the Day episode of Stars, Cells, and God. Hugh describes an analysis by an international team of 44 astronomers of a survey of trans-Neptunian objects. This analysis reveals strong evidence for the existence of a sixth belt of asteroids/comets in the solar system. Here are some takeaways:
- The Kuiper Belt asteroids/comets orbit at 35–55 times Earth’s orbital distance from the Sun.
- The asteroids/comets in the newly discovered belt orbit at 70–90 times Earth’s orbital distance from the Sun.
- There appears to be a gap from 55–70 times Earth’s orbital distance from the Sun where very few asteroids/comets exist.
- If this discovery of a new asteroid/comet is confirmed, it will enable astronomers to develop a much more detailed Grand Tack model for the early migration of solar system planets.
- A more detailed Grand Tack model will reveal even more evidence for the exquisite fine-tuning of the solar system that makes advanced life possible on Earth.
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