Study Explores Potential for Rogue Planets to Join Solar System

New research examines how interstellar objects and rogue planets could be gravitationally captured into stable orbits around the Sun.

Researchers have identified mechanisms through which rogue planets or interstellar objects (ISOs) could become permanently captured by the Sun's gravity.
The study focuses on 'phase space,' a mathematical framework that maps potential orbital configurations for objects entering the Solar System.
Two types of capture points were identified: weak capture points for temporary orbits and permanent capture points for stable, long-term orbits.
Openings in the Sun's Hill sphere, located about 3.81 light years from the Sun, are key regions where ISOs or rogue planets could enter and remain in the Solar System.
While such events are rare, the presence of rogue planets near these openings could potentially perturb planetary orbits, though this remains speculative and requires further study.