Back in 2019, one of the most intriguing discoveries was made in astronomy. Scientists found an interstellar comet in our solar system. The comet was named Borisov, and astronomers think interplanetary comets may not be rare as thought. Recently, astronomers calculated that there are many more objects in the Oort Cloud outside our solar system when compared to the ones born inside it.
In a new study, researchers from the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian presented new calculations of the Oort Cloud. That cloud is made from debris and lies at the far end of our solar system. Researchers behind the project believe that the Oort Cloud has a good number of interstellar objects.
Exact number of interstellar objects still unknown
Comet Borisov was an important discovery for scientists. Study researcher Amir Siraj said before Borisov, the first interstellar comet detected, astronomers were unaware of how many interstellar interlopers might be present in the solar system. Although the exact number is yet to be determined, one theory points that there were fewer interstellar objects than there were objects in the solar system.
The calculation hints there could be significantly more objects from outside the solar system than previously believed. The calculations were made with the help of data gathered from Borisov, but they point out the calculations are uncertain. However, despite the uncertainties, the study found interstellar material outnumbers native material from the solar system.
Need advanced technology for more discoveries
Another question the study raises is why we haven’t found any other interstellar visitors. Researchers explain that we don’t have the technology yet to find them. Another reason is the distance of the Oort Cloud from the Sun. The cloud is between 200 billion and 100 trillion miles away.
Recently, scientists located a massive space rock hurtling towards the inner solar system from deep space. The comet 2014 UN271 is different from others for a couple of reasons. Its size is around 200 km, putting it between a giant comet and a dwarf planet. It also might be the biggest comet ever spotted.
