The solar system's first "interstellar interloper" has been named 1I/ʻOumuamua. It is the first known "hyperbolic asteroid" from outside the solar system:
The first known asteroid to visit our Solar System from interstellar space has been given a name. Scientists who have studied its speed and trajectory believe it originated in a planetary system around another star.
The interstellar interloper will now be referred to as 'Oumuamua, which means "a messenger from afar arriving first" in Hawaiian. The name reflects the object's discovery by a Hawaii-based astronomer using an observatory on Maui. It was discovered on 19 October this year by Rob Weryk, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy.
[...] Scientists who have made observations of 'Oumuamua, say that despite its exotic origins, the asteroid is familiar in appearance. In a paper submitted to Astrophysical Journal Letters, they argue that its size, rotation, and reddish colour are similar to those of asteroids in our Solar System. Measuring about 180m by 30m, it resembles a chunky cigar.
"The most remarkable thing about ['Oumuamua'] is that, except for its shape, how familiar and physically unremarkable it is," said co-author Jayadev Rajagopal from the US National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO).
Also at the National Optical Astronomy Observatory and Scientific American.
Previously: Possible Interstellar Asteroid/Comet Enters Solar System
(Score: 3, Interesting) by PinkyGigglebrain on Sunday November 19 2017, @07:05AM (1 child)
Or maybe a multi generational seed ship. This thing is bigger than the Sidonia.
Joking aside; I hope they can get some good images and spectrum's from it as it passes though our system. it could tell us a great deal about the composition of other star systems.
"Beware those who would deny you Knowledge, For in their hearts they dream themselves your Master."
(Score: 3, Informative) by takyon on Sunday November 19 2017, @09:41AM
I think the images in the National Optical Astronomy Observatory article are the best you will ever get. Period. Since it is likely not coming back.
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