Has anyone done the calculation yet for what would have happened if it collided with Earth?
166m diameter. Not exactly dinaur-extinction sized.
First possible interstellar object detected in our solar system
31–40 of 104 posts
Re: First possible interstellar object detected in our solar system
#32Re: First possible interstellar object detected in our solar system
#33Re: First possible interstellar object detected in our solar system
#34A probe sent out by some remote civilisation, it is on its way through our part of the Milky Way galaxy. It used Sol as a source of gravity to slingshot itself on its way in the direction of Pegasus. It also did some measurements while it was at it, even though this system is not its final destination. Yes, totally made up but in theory it would be possible.
>> A probe sent out by some remote civilisation, it is on its way through our part of the Milky Way galaxy. It used Sol as a source of gravity to slingshot itself on its way in the direction of Pegasus.
I found it interesting that the first such object observed passed inside the orbit of Mercury. Is there some physics based reason that would be likely or was it a fluke?
Re: First possible interstellar object detected in our solar system
#35A probe sent out by some remote civilisation, it is on its way through our part of the Milky Way galaxy. It used Sol as a source of gravity to slingshot itself on its way in the direction of Pegasus. It also did some measurements while it was at it, even though this system is not its final destination. Yes, totally made up but in theory it would be possible.
It's broadcasting something that sounds like ... humpback whales?
Luckily we still have some of those in this timeline.
Re: First possible interstellar object detected in our solar system
#36Earlier quoted context omitted.
It's not deliberate, it's gravity. The sun has been pulling this object towards itself, because that's how gravity works.
In space, the gravity well we more likely create big orbits. Since there's no air slowing objects down, they won't all fall down to the sun. For example, it's very energy intensive to go visit Mercury.
Right, but that's for objects travelling more tangentially. An object travelling kind of towards the sun will get redirected more towards the sun, when the sun is the largest nearby mass.
It's unlikely that an object would be pulled right into the sun though, just redirected by its close encounter so it flies off again in another direction.
Re: First possible interstellar object detected in our solar system
#37Anyone else thinking of Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C Clarke right now?
Re: First possible interstellar object detected in our solar system
#38Perhaps it's a starseed, wandering between the rim of the galaxy and the galactic core. To be closely followed by an Outsider ship.
Re: First possible interstellar object detected in our solar system
#39Anyone else thinking of Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C Clarke right now?
'codingdave is :) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=15564244
Re: First possible interstellar object detected in our solar system
#40Anyone else thinking of Rendezvous with Rama by Arthur C Clarke right now?
Only if it starts to deaccelerate.