For the first time in the Solar system the observations of an asteroid from interstellar space

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Впервые в Солнечной системе проведены наблюдения астероида из межзвёздного пространства

The European southern Observatory (ESO) reports that astronomers presented the first opportunity to conduct observations of the asteroid coming into the Solar system from interstellar space.

19 October 2017 the telescope Pan-STARRS 1 in Hawaii recorded moving across the sky, weak bright spot — she looked like a typical asteroid. However, further calculations of the orbit showed that this body was not formed within the Solar system, like all other ever observed an asteroid or comet, and came from interstellar space.

Впервые в Солнечной системе проведены наблюдения астероида из межзвёздного пространства

The object was designated 1I/U1 2017, or Oumuamua (Omului). To measure the orbital parameters, brightness and color of the asteroid involved was Very Large Telescope ESO. It turned out that the outer body has a very unusual characteristics.

It turned out, in particular, that changes Omwamwi Shine ten times, rotating around its axis with a period of 7.3 hours. This means that the object is very elongated: its length is about ten times greater than the width. The asteroid has a complex curved shape.

Observations also showed that the body is characterized by dark red color, as the objects of the external regions of the Solar system. In addition, it confirmed the complete lack of any activity around there was not the slightest trace of dust.

Впервые в Солнечной системе проведены наблюдения астероида из межзвёздного пространства

All of this suggests that Omwamwi is a dense, perhaps a stone or even metal body, without any signs of water or ice, and its surface darkened and reddened under the impact of cosmic rays over millions of years, “notes the ESO.

The length of the asteroid is at least 400 metres. According to calculations, the object came approximately from the bright star VEGA in the Northern constellation Lyra. Apparently, this unique asteroid traveled in space for millions of years, before accidentally flew into our system.

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