Nibiru and the Ninth Planet: Myths vs. Reality

Isaac asks: "Shalom. I’ve come across lectures that report the discovery of a ninth planet in our solar system, called Planet X or Nibiru. The lecturer shows pictures he claims to have taken through his telescope, and says that NASA is hiding the fact that this planet is approaching us and endangering our world. He even brings quotes from the Zohar, claiming it was foretold for the end of days. Is there any truth to this?"

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Shalom and thank you for your important question.

These are claims that have been taken out of context and inflated into a conspiracy theory. Let’s begin with the facts.

Two astronomers from Caltech, Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Konstantin Batygin, suggested they had found indirect evidence for the existence of a ninth planet in our solar system, which they called “Planet X.” So far, these are circumstantial indications only and not confirmed observations. No ninth planet has actually been photographed, so the idea remains just a theory. Moreover, even if it does exist, it would be located over 11 billion kilometers from Earth, on the far side of the solar system. It is not near us, nor approaching us, even according to the few astronomers who consider its existence possible.

Based on the most “optimistic” calculations, such a planet would take between 10,000 and 20,000 years to complete a single orbit around the Sun. The only evidence for its existence comes from anomalies in the orbits of other celestial bodies, which could possibly be explained by the gravitational pull of an unseen planet. Even if it is there, its distance is so vast that it cannot be observed with our current technology.

Some people misuse this scientific speculation to frighten the public. They claim to have photographed “the approaching planet” through their telescopes. Most of these images are either fake or simply pictures of nebulas or comets, misrepresented due to ignorance.

The lectures you encountered are given by conspiracy theorists who believe governments hide the truth from the public.

What Are Conspiracy Theories?

A conspiracy theory is the belief that large groups of people secretly work together to deceive millions successfully and control them without their knowledge. Many such theories are antisemitic, such as the old myth of “Elders of Zion” supposedly controlling global politics and finance. Others claim that the U.S. government staged the 9/11 attacks, hides aliens, or even faked the moon landing in a studio.

The common thread in all conspiracy theories is that they cannot be proven or disproven — they require blind faith.

As Shlomo Hamelech (King Solomon) said: “The simple believes every word, but the prudent gives thought to his steps” (Mishlei 14:15). The Malbim explains that the “simpleton” is someone who lacks critical thought and accepts everything he is told, whereas the prudent person examines carefully and discerns the truth.

Believing in a “hidden approaching planet” requires us to think that not only NASA but every space agency worldwide including Russia, China, India, Japan, Israel, Iran, and more, are all working together in secret to hide the truth. Millions of scientists, astronomers, and researchers of all ideologies would all have to be complicit, without a single leak to the media. Clearly, this is absurd.

The Origins of “Nibiru”

The story of Nibiru does not come from science but from the imagination of Zecharia Sitchin, an author who published books about 50 years ago claiming to decode ancient Sumerian texts. He suggested they spoke of a ninth planet, “Nibiru,” which periodically returns near Earth. He also tied this idea to aliens supposedly living there. Sitchin was not an archaeologist nor a linguist, and real experts found no basis for his interpretations.

Nevertheless, his theories birthed a cult-like following that believes in a hidden planet and a worldwide cover-up. These groups have repeatedly predicted “end of the world” dates that never materialized — most famously December 21, 2012. Each time the date passes, they simply invent a new one.

In Israel too, some lecturers have adopted these ideas, quoting verses from the Zohar and Midrash out of context to make them sound credible. The Zohar often uses allegories and metaphors about higher worlds, not meant to be taken literally by the public.

What Judaism Actually Teaches

Our tradition tells us what truly awaits in the end of days: the war of Gog and Magog, the coming of Mashiach who will lead Israel, the rebuilding of the Temple, and the resurrection of the dead.

Maimonides (Rambam) writes clearly: “All such matters concerning Mashiach are allegories. When Mashiach arrives, the meaning will become clear. But in the meantime, no one can know for sure, not even the sages, for these things are hidden.” (Hilchot Melachim 12:2–5)

The Rambam emphasizes that a Jew should not waste time speculating about secret signs or hidden predictions, but instead should strengthen faith, mitzvot, and love for fellow Jews.

There is no scientific basis for a hidden planet threatening Earth, and there is no Torah obligation to believe in such claims. Rather, we should strengthen our trust in God, study His Torah, and follow the teachings of our sages.

As our rabbis teach: “There is nothing that happens in this world unless it is decreed from above.” Our task is not to fear false theories but to prepare spiritually for the true events of redemption.