In 2017, a mysterious object flew through the solar system at breakneck speed – the first confirmed interstellar “visitor” in history. Astronomers named it Oumuamua, which is Hawaiian for “scout.” The length of this object reached 400 meters, and its shape resembled a cigar: it was ten times longer than its width. Two years later, an amateur astronomer from the Crimea discovered another interstellar visitor – comet Borisov (2I/Borisov). Both objects have become a sensation because they are among the rare space travelers that have traveled through the Milky Way for millions of years before stopping to see us.
Interstellar objects like Oumuamua form around other stars, but catastrophic events – such as planet collisions – eject them into interstellar space. Scientists believe that the study of such “time capsules” will help unravel the mysteries of distant star systems, which are out of reach for modern missions. However, the problem is that such objects move extremely fast – up to 32 km/s – and appear unexpectedly. We have only discovered two such bodies in recent years, although there may be more than 10 septillion (10²⁴) of them in the Milky Way.
Hunting for elusive guests
The main difficulty is to have time to send a mission after an interstellar object is detected. Therefore, innovative projects are developed for such cases:
- Project Lyra explores the possibility of reaching Oumuamua using gravitational maneuvers, although this is technically difficult.
- The Bridge (NASA) mission is to intercept objects within 30 days of detection.
- Comet Interceptor (ESA), scheduled for launch in 2029, will be “guarded” in orbit, ready for an instant response.
Spacecraft speed remains a key challenge. Traditional methods like rocket engines are inefficient, so scientists are turning to new technologies like solar sails, artificial intelligence to analyze trajectories, and swarms of small probes that will take photos of similar objects from different angles.
Strength tests
Approaching interstellar objects is dangerous: the spacecraft must withstand high temperatures, dust fluxes and erosion. For this purpose, lightweight but strong materials are being developed – for example, advanced carbon fibers or 3D printed structures. Researchers are also experimenting with cork and ceramics, which can absorb shock loads.
In 2024, the Vera C Rubin Observatory will begin operations in Chile. Thanks to it, astronomers expect to detect dozens of “interstellar aliens” each year, which will open a new era of exploration. But scientists warn: funding cuts to projects such as the James Webb telescope could slow progress.
Interstellar objects are a unique chance to look into other star systems. Thanks to new technologies, we are no longer just passive observers, but hunters of cosmic mysteries. And who knows – maybe the next “spy” will tell us even more about other worlds beyond the solar system.
According to sciencealert.com
