More than 1 million “interstellar objects” the size of the Statue of Liberty could be drifting unseen in the outer solar system right now, new simulations suggest. These hefty cosmic interlopers, originating from our closest stellar neighbors, are believed to be residing in the “Oort Cloud” near the outer edges of the solar system. While they are unlikely to come close to Earth, smaller interstellar particles are thought to be entering our planet’s atmosphere annually.
This revelation comes after scientists detected only two confirmed interstellar objects in the solar system: ‘Oumuamua, a peculiar elongated object that sparked speculation about alien origins in 2017, and Comet Borisov, discovered in 2019. Both of these objects swiftly traversed our cosmic neighborhood, underscoring their interstellar roots. However, researchers have long suspected the presence of numerous unseen alien objects passing through the solar system regularly, with some possibly taking up residence permanently.
In a recent study published on the pre-print server arXiv, researchers delved into simulations of interstellar material ejected from Alpha Centauri, the nearest star system to Earth, over the past 100 million years. These simulations indicated the possible existence of around 1 million “macroscopic objects” from Alpha Centauri, each wider than 330 feet (100 meters), currently located within our solar system. The majority of these objects are believed to be situated in the Oort Cloud, a vast repository of comets and asteroids at the solar system’s fringes, making them incredibly challenging to detect.
Tracing Interstellar Pathways
The study team also explored how smaller interstellar particles travel from Alpha Centauri to our solar system. According to their findings, particles exceeding 100 micrometers (0.004 inch) could theoretically journey between the two systems, with an estimated 10 of these particles likely burning up as meteors in Earth’s atmosphere annually.
Alpha Centauri, a trinary star system comprising Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and Proxima Centauri, presents a unique stellar neighborhood. Proxima Centauri, the closest known star to Earth at a distance of approximately 4.25 light-years, orbits the binary stars Alpha Centauri A and B. This system is currently moving towards our solar system and is expected to reach its closest point in about 28,000 years, potentially increasing the influx of objects from Alpha Centauri.
The researchers highlight the symmetry between the rates of material ejection from Alpha Centauri and our solar system, suggesting a significant exchange of interstellar material between these neighboring stellar systems. This deeper understanding of material transfer between star systems opens new avenues for exploring the interconnectedness of celestial bodies and the potential for material exchange across galaxies.
Meet Harry: The Award-Winning Space Enthusiast
Harry, a senior staff writer at Live Science based in the U.K., has an extensive background in marine biology and journalism. His expertise spans a wide range of topics, including space exploration, planetary science, space weather, climate change, animal behavior, and paleontology. Notably, his work on the solar maximum garnered him the “best space submission” award at the 2024 Aerospace Media Awards and a nomination in the “top scoop” category at the NCTJ Awards for Excellence in 2023.
In addition to his accolades, Harry is known for his engaging Earth from space series on Live Science, captivating readers with his insights into our planet’s celestial interactions. His dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the universe and sharing them with a global audience exemplifies a passion for science communication and exploration.
By shedding light on the potential presence of over 1 million interstellar objects in our solar system, researchers are paving the way for a deeper understanding of cosmic connections and material exchange across vast distances. As the boundaries between star systems blur, the intricate dance of celestial bodies unfolds, offering a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of the universe.
