Millions of interstellar objects from Alpha Centauri on the way to us!
Millions of interstellar objects from Alpha Centauri on the way to us!
A new research project has uncovered that around one million interstellar objects with a diameter of more than 100 meters could come from the nearby star system Alpha Centauri in the outer solar system. This discovery follows the results of a study by scientists from the University of Western Ontario, which have examined their origin and movement behavior. The results were recently published in the specialist magazine The Planetary Science Journal , whereby the estimate on models for the material loss of star systems that affect both Alpha Centauri and our own solar system.
Alpha Centauri, which is about four light years from Earth, consists of the stars Alpha Centauri a, Alpha Centauri B and Proxima Centauri. The system moves towards earth and will reach its next point over the next 28,000 years. At this point, an increase in intert -positioned heavenly bodies in the solar system is expected, possibly also an increase in the “visitors” from Alpha Centauri.
interstellar objects and their dangers
The scientists estimate that only about one meteor per Billion meteors who hit the earth actually comes from Alpha Centauri. The simulations indicate that around ten smaller meteors, not larger than 100 micrometers, could penetrate the earth's atmosphere by Alpha Centauri. However, these small particles are not a danger to the earth.
Despite the considerable number of larger interstellar objects, most of which are likely to be trapped safely in the Oortschen Cloud, the probability that one of these objects will reach the sun in less than 10 astronomical units (AU), only about one to one million. So far, only two interstellar objects have been confirmed in the solar system: ʻoumuamua, which was discovered in 2017, and the Komet Borisov, which was discovered in 2019. Their origins and precise tracks have so far been unknown.
more knowledge in the future?
In order to better understand the dynamics and the exchange of materials between our galaxy and the alpha-Centauri system, further research is required. Experts suspect that many other interstellar objects are undiscovered in the solar system and may stay here permanently. Previous room probes such as the Cassini probe have already detected tiny interstellar dust particles that come from other star systems.
When asked whether the interstellar objects are possible spatial probes, the scientific community remains skeptical. For example, ʻoumuamua was incorrectly regarded as possible extraterrestrial sample. Nevertheless, the topic of the interstellar objects remains of great interest, since there are indications of the different types of the matters' exchange between the star systems of our galaxy.
Due to the simulations and results of the current study, astronomers and astrophysicists could gain important insights that will determine their future research and exploration of space. Further developments are to be seen, while interest in the secrets of the universe and the objects that surround our earth are increasing.
For more information, visit the articles by Merkur , Heise and Live Science .
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Ort | Alpha Centauri, Sternensystem |
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