`Oumuamua is the first known interstellar object to pass through our solar system. Discovered in October 2017, the object’s peculiar acceleration and unusual characteristics have sparked much debate and discussion among scientists. While some researchers propose that it could be a hydrogen-water iceberg or another type of natural object, others have even suggested the possibility of an artificial origin. Fringepedia strives to present all relevant information and maintain an open mind on this intriguing subject.
Observations and Characteristics
`Oumuamua was first detected by astronomers using the Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii. It is an elongated, cigar-shaped object with an estimated size of 800 x 100 x 100 meters. Its reddish color suggests a metallic or rocky composition. The object’s extreme elongation and flat shape are highly unusual and set it apart from most known comets and asteroids.
Controversy over Nature and Origin
The nature and origin of `Oumuamua have been the subject of significant debate among scientists. Several theories have been proposed, including:
- Hydrogen-Water Iceberg: A paper published in Nature by Jennifer Bergner and Darryl Seligman suggested that
Oumuamua could be a hydrogen-water iceberg, with its water ice partly dissociated into hydrogen by cosmic rays. However, this idea has been challenged by other researchers who argue that the paper miscalculated the surface temperature ofOumuamua, neglecting the cooling effect of evaporating hydrogen. When accounting for this effect, the surface temperature is reduced by an order of magnitude, making the hydrogen-water iceberg model unten
