Up to 1 million hidden interstellar objects possibly larger than the Statue of Liberty may drift in outer solar system

Millions of alien objects may drift unseen in deep space. (Image: AI generated)

New research suggests millions of interstellar objects could be floating in the solar system, unseen by telescopes. These objects, some as big as the Statue of Liberty, may have come from Alpha Centauri. Scientists believe they are unlikely to approach Earth.

Scientists have confirmed only two interstellar objects so far. 'Oumuamua, spotted in 2017, and Comet Borisov, detected in 2019, both passed quickly through the solar system. Now, a study suggests many more objects exist, trapped by the sun’s gravity. Most likely reside in the Oort Cloud, a distant region of comets and asteroids.

Researchers simulated how much interstellar debris was expelled from Alpha Centauri over 100 million years. They estimate over 1 million objects larger than 100 metres could now be within the solar system. The findings, yet to be peer-reviewed, are set to be published in The Planetary Science Journal.

This artist’s concept shows interstellar object 1I/2017 U1 (‘Oumuamua) after its discovery in 2017. While itself not a dark comet, ‘Oumuamua’s motion through the solar system has helped researchers better understand the nature of the 14 dark comets discovered so far. (Image: NASA)

Cosmic dust and future discoveries

Tiny interstellar dust particles are already known to pass through. Scientists estimate about 10 such particles burn in Earth’s atmosphere yearly. Larger fragments, however, are harder to detect.

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Alpha Centauri, our closest star system, consists of three stars. It is gradually moving closer and will reach its nearest point in 28,000 years. Scientists predict this will increase interstellar objects entering our solar system.

Understanding how space materials transfer between star systems may reveal more about cosmic evolution. Researchers believe our solar system likely sends out a similar amount of interstellar debris to neighbouring stars.