A new perspective has emerged in understanding the interstellar objects (ISOs) that visit our Solar System. These objects, like Oumuamua and Comet 2I/Borisov, have sparked interest among researchers about potential hidden cosmic phenomena. A recent study suggests that our Solar System’s complex phase space contains weak and permanent capture points where ISOs or rogue planets can be gravitationally bound to the Sun.
These capture points, known as Hill spheres, act as gravitational gateways 3.81 light-years away from the Sun, allowing objects to enter and potentially remain in our Solar System. If a rogue planet enters this region, it could perturb planetary orbits, reshaping the delicate balance of our Solar System over time.
According to researchers, rogue planets may outnumber stars and frequently drift through interstellar space. With two stars passing within a few light-years of Earth every million years, there is a possibility that six encounters in the next 50,000 years could dislodge Oort Cloud objects, sending them toward the inner Solar System.
The Vera Rubin Observatory is expected to identify more ISOs and rogue planets, helping researchers understand their distribution and potential impact on our cosmic neighborhood. This new understanding of interstellar objects may lead to a greater appreciation for the complex dynamics at play in our Solar System.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.in/visualstories/news/earth-in-danger-131-nearby-stars-could-send-chaos-hurtling-into-our-solar-system-192357-06-12-2024