Mass and Position Limits for an Hypothetical Tenth Planet of the Solar System

Abstract

This paper describes an analysis of the residuals of Neptune, conducted in order to delimit the possible range of mass and position for an hypothetical tenth planet of the solar system. Classical perturbation theory was employed, using a least-squares fit to residual normals, the problem being simplified by assuming a circular orbit for any hypothetical body. Results are presented which offer a restricted range of possible values; and their possible significance is discussed.