On the Possibility of Discovering Exoplanets within our Solar System

TL;DR

This paper explores the increasing likelihood of discovering an exoplanet within our solar system due to the finite space in the galaxy, estimating the date when this might occur and proposing methods to influence its discovery location.

Contribution

It introduces a probabilistic model for exoplanet discovery within our solar system and suggests novel methods to influence and optimize the search process.

Findings

Probability of discovery surpasses 50% by December 2146

Proposes new techniques to guide exoplanet search efforts

Discusses potential implications and risks of discovering an exoplanet in our solar system

Abstract

It has previously been suggested that the rate of exoplanet discovery, doubling roughly every 39 months, is indicative of a runaway increase in the number of exoplanets in our galaxy. In this paper, we posit that - due to the finite nature of space in the milky way - it will become increasingly likely that one of these exoplanets will be found within our solar system. We calculate the odds of this occurring pass 50\% on Friday 9th December 2146. We go on to suggest novel methods for influencing where this exoplanet may be discovered, note possible drawbacks of the discovery, and finally explore how the previously-hypothesized `exoplanet singularity' (both figurative and literal) could be averted.