help

Can One Determine the Place Where ‘Oumuamua Came From?

-- Paul Winters | June 14, 2020

Question:

Oumuamua came from outside our solar system. Is it mathematically possible to track back its path and determine the star system of origin? If so, how could that be done and what difficulties does it present? Thanks very much!
Paul

-- Paul Winters

Answer:

Due to the fact that we only observe objects like the interstellar asteroid ‘Oumuamua for a relatively short period of time, our ability to determine its orbit, and trace that orbit back to its system of origin is difficult. Even with a very accurate measurement of its path through our solar system, small uncertainties in these measurements result in a wide range of possible origin systems. One study of ‘Oumuamua’s path through our solar system found that there were several stars which could have been the source of this asteroid, with the star HD200325 being the most probable.

-- Jeff Mangum

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Linkedin

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.