Readers Respond to the January 2025 Issue
Briefly

The article discusses the potential discovery of Planet Nine and the possibility of sending a probe to investigate it if confirmed by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. The concept of Planet Nine being a primordial black hole is considered, though most scientists suggest it is likely a faint, difficult-to-detect planet. Readers pose insightful questions regarding the nature of Planet Nine, including its potential classification, leading to expert responses that clarify misconceptions and explore scientific theories on the elusive celestial body. Other topics like the vagus nerve and its relation to the placebo effect are briefly mentioned.
If Planet Nine is discovered, I’m confident a probe would eventually be sent to it! But after launch, it might take decades for a spacecraft to reach that destination.
A small primordial black hole isn’t impossible, but such objects remain theoretical. It’s far more likely that Planet Nine is just a difficult-to-find planet.
I think a brown dwarf is simply too massive to explain the gravitational perturbances detected by astronomers. It’s more likely to be a stealthy, lighter planet.
There is certainly a case to be made that the vagus nerve itself orchestrates the placebo effect.
Read at www.scientificamerican.com
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