A newly identified dwarf planet, named 2017 OF201, has been discovered in the distant outer reaches of the solar system. Measuring about 700 kilometres across, it lies far beyond Neptune and follows a highly elongated orbit that stretches into the Oort cloud. Its unusual path contrasts with the clustered orbits that initially led scientists to theorise the existence of Planet Nine. While the object’s discovery may weaken support for the Planet Nine theory, astronomers say more data is needed before drawing conclusions.
