A groundbreaking study published in Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy suggests that our solar system can capture rogue planets or interstellar objects, potentially altering its dynamics. Researchers Edward Belbruno and James Green identified two types of capture points: weak and permanent, which occur when an object’s angular momentum and energy align with the Sun’s gravitational boundaries. The study focuses on the concept of phase space, a mathematical representation that describes the state of our solar system.
According to the researchers, small bodies can be permanently captured into stable orbits if their angular momentum and energy align precisely. They have also identified openings in the Sun’s Hill sphere, which could allow rogue planets or interstellar objects to enter a stable orbit around the Sun. These objects would move chaotically within the Hill’s sphere before being permanently captured, never colliding with the Sun.
The discovery opens up new possibilities for our understanding of the solar system and its interactions with nearby celestial bodies. The study provides insight into the complex dynamics at play in our cosmic neighborhood, highlighting the importance of phase space in capturing rogue planets or interstellar objects.
Source: https://www.ndtv.com/science/heres-how-our-solar-system-could-capture-interstellar-objects-and-rogue-planets-7179804