New research indicates that millions of interstellar objects, potentially originating from Alpha Centauri, may be present within the solar system, evading detection by telescopes. These objects can be as large as the Statue of Liberty.
To date, only two interstellar objects have been confirmed: 'Oumuamua (2017) and Comet Borisov (2019). A recent study suggests numerous additional objects are trapped by the sun's gravity, primarily within the Oort Cloud.
Simulations estimate that over one million objects larger than 100 meters, expelled from Alpha Centauri over 100 million years, could now reside within our solar system. The findings are slated for publication in The Planetary Science Journal.
Alpha Centauri, the nearest star system, is approaching and will reach its closest point in 28,000 years, potentially increasing the influx of interstellar objects.
Understanding material transfer between star systems may provide insights into cosmic evolution. The solar system likely ejects a similar quantity of debris to neighboring stars.