Unraveling Cosmic Secrets: Astrophysicist finds spherules of inter-stellar meteorite

The significance of this discovery lies not only in its potential to reshape our understanding of space debris but also in the trail of clues left behind by the meteorite's journey.

By: HT TECH
| Updated on: Aug 19 2023, 10:42 IST
Meteorite
Scientists are in constant search of cosmic secrets. This time they may have stumbled upon a big secret - a meteorite from outside the solar system. In a groundbreaking expedition that spanned over 10 days, Harvard University astrophysicist Avi Loeb and his team embarked on a voyage that could forever change our understanding of extraterrestrial encounters.  (NASA/JPL)
1/5 Scientists are in constant search of cosmic secrets. This time they may have stumbled upon a big secret - a meteorite from outside the solar system. In a groundbreaking expedition that spanned over 10 days, Harvard University astrophysicist Avi Loeb and his team embarked on a voyage that could forever change our understanding of extraterrestrial encounters.  (NASA/JPL)
 Meteorite
According to a report by  space.com, Loeb's journey took him to the ocean floor off Papua New Guinea.  His expedition aimed to unravel the mysteries surrounding metallic spherules, tiny orbs barely larger than a pinhead, scattered across the sea's depths. These minuscule spheres are believed to have originated from what could be the first-ever interstellar meteorite to impact Earth. With more than 700 of these spherules now under scrutiny, Loeb is on the brink of rewriting the narrative of interstellar exploration. (Pixabay)
2/5 According to a report by  space.com, Loeb's journey took him to the ocean floor off Papua New Guinea.  His expedition aimed to unravel the mysteries surrounding metallic spherules, tiny orbs barely larger than a pinhead, scattered across the sea's depths. These minuscule spheres are believed to have originated from what could be the first-ever interstellar meteorite to impact Earth. With more than 700 of these spherules now under scrutiny, Loeb is on the brink of rewriting the narrative of interstellar exploration. (Pixabay)
meteorite
The significance of this discovery lies not only in its potential to reshape our understanding of space debris but also in the trail of clues left behind by the meteorite's journey. Loeb's meticulous work included cross-referencing Department of Defense tracking data with seismic readings from nearby locations.   (NASA)
3/5 The significance of this discovery lies not only in its potential to reshape our understanding of space debris but also in the trail of clues left behind by the meteorite's journey. Loeb's meticulous work included cross-referencing Department of Defense tracking data with seismic readings from nearby locations.   (NASA)
Meteorite
Through this multifaceted approach, he successfully pinpointed the meteorite's entry location in the vast expanse of the South Pacific. If these spherules demonstrate a significant departure from known solar system materials or terrestrial contaminants, it could potentially validate their interstellar origin. (Pixabay)
4/5 Through this multifaceted approach, he successfully pinpointed the meteorite's entry location in the vast expanse of the South Pacific. If these spherules demonstrate a significant departure from known solar system materials or terrestrial contaminants, it could potentially validate their interstellar origin. (Pixabay)

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Meteorite
Should their analysis confirm the interstellar origin of these spherules, it would mark an unprecedented leap in our understanding of the cosmos. This would be only the third time in history that scientists officially accept the discovery of interstellar objects. Oumuamua, an interstellar asteroid, and Comet Borisov marked the previous instances.  (NASA/JPL/Cornell)
5/5 Should their analysis confirm the interstellar origin of these spherules, it would mark an unprecedented leap in our understanding of the cosmos. This would be only the third time in history that scientists officially accept the discovery of interstellar objects. Oumuamua, an interstellar asteroid, and Comet Borisov marked the previous instances.  (NASA/JPL/Cornell)
First Published Date: 19 Aug, 10:42 IST
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