When astronomers first saw ‘Oumuamua in 2017, they were amazed. The object was moving fast and came from outside Earth’s solar system. At first, they thought it was a comet from another star. Now, new research suggests a very different origin.
What Is ‘Oumuamua Made Of?
Steve Desch, an exoplanet researcher at Arizona State University, says ‘Oumuamua resembles Pluto’s surface. The object appears to be mostly nitrogen ice. “Everything matches a slab of nitrogen ice,” Desch said. He presented the findings in July at a Maryland conference. Unlike typical comets, ‘Oumuamua lacks rock or carbon-rich material. It is also much more elongated than other comets. It looks pancake-shaped, not spherical like regular comets.
Planets form from gas and dust around young stars. During the early years, collisions shape their structure. Desch explained that early Pluto-like objects were hit heavily. Some outer layers broke off and drifted away. NASA’s New Horizons found Pluto’s surface rich in nitrogen ice. Simulations show most of the ejected material was nitrogen. Jupiter’s gravity may have flung many objects into space. A few ended up in the distant Oort cloud. Most fragments floated freely in interstellar space.
Could Other Stars Produce Similar Objects?
If other star systems behave like ours, they also eject fragments. Observations suggest planetary dances around stars are common. Exo-Pluto fragments likely travel alongside comets and planets. Some comets may actually be Pluto chunks. In 2018, research showed Comet C/2016 R2’s unusual chemistry. It may come from Kuiper Belt collisions. Two more comets share similar nitrogen-rich traits. Desch and Alan Jackson studied these findings thoroughly. Their studies suggest ‘Oumuamua fits the exo-Pluto fragment theory.
Nitrogen ice reflects light brightly but evaporates quickly. Desch and Jackson estimate the object is younger than two billion years. It likely came from a young star system. Perhaps from the Perseus arm of the Milky Way. Its low speed hints at an early ejection. Cosmic rays erode nitrogen ice faster than water ice. By the time of detection, over 90% evaporated.
What Does This Mean for Astronomy?
“This discovery suggests Pluto-like fragments are plentiful,” Desch said. More interstellar objects may be out there than expected. Future surveys by Pan-STARRS, ATLAS and Vera Rubin Observatory will help. Scientists hope to learn more about distant dwarf planets. “Observations of similar objects will reveal Pluto’s composition,” Desch added. The study opens new doors to understanding exoplanetary systems.
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