The frequency of the appearance of objects from outside the Solar System and the number of impact craters on the surface of the Moon led scientists to believe that at least one of them had to leave the “interstellar guest”. But only astronauts on the surface of our moon can establish this.
Space guests on the surface of the Moon
At least one of the craters on the Moon’s surface could have been formed as a result of a collision with a body that did not belong to the Solar System. This opinion was expressed by scientists from Yale University. At least twice in recent years, people have observed objects that came to us from deep space. This allows us to make certain calculations of how frequent such events are.
In turn, the Moon is covered with a huge number of craters that have survived since the formation of the Solar System. Therefore, according to scientists, at least one of them could have formed after an interstellar object crashed into it. However, it is very difficult to determine which one.
Objects which interstellar nature has already been proven are quite unlike each other. Borisov’s comet is very similar to its local “sisters” and only the unusual content of carbon monoxide confirms its “otherworldly” nature.
With the asteroid Oumuamua, everything is more complicated. It is known that when approaching the Sun, something began to evaporate from its surface, as a result of which it accelerated. But no one knows what the chemical composition that this phenomenon could explain should look like.
How to find an interstellar object on the Moon?
Humanity has fairly detailed maps of the moon, on which almost every crater that could be left by a body from outside the Solar System is visible. But in order to make sure of this, it is necessary to find traces of some unusual substances. And satellite spectroscopy is unlikely to be able to cope with this task.
At least, no typical comets and asteroids of methane-type substances were found on its surface. But researchers suspect that more exotic isocyanates could evaporate from the surface of the same Oumuamua. And the search for these substances on the surface of the moon could give interesting results.
However, only astronauts can do this qualitatively right on the surface of our moon. Scientists have high hopes for the implementation of the Artemis program. True, within its framework, craters at the south pole will be studied mainly, but in the end the turn will reach the rest of the Moon’s surface.
According to www.space.com
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