Why does looking for Oort Cloud objects in the ecliptic plane inherently bias observation against detecting the main population?

Answer

The bulk of the material lies far above and below the plane we typically observe.

Since the cloud is spherical, searching in the ecliptic plane means looking at the thinnest possible cross-section, missing the vast majority of material located above and below that plane.

Why does looking for Oort Cloud objects in the ecliptic plane inherently bias observation against detecting the main population?

#Videos

Seeing the Oort Cloud, Rogue Planet Nearby, Knocking ... - YouTube

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