Interstellar Comet 2I/Borisov Update For October 12, 2019 | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Interstellar comet 2I/Borisov has a similar surface composition and age to solar system comets, suggesting that the process of comet formation is likely similar across star systems. Preliminary evidence also indicates that Borisov may have originated from the binary star system Kruger 60.

Key Insights

• 🤩 Comet Borisov's surface composition suggests that the formation process for comets may be similar across star systems.
• 🫢 Detection of cyanide gas in Borisov further supports its similarity to regular solar system comets.
• 🤩 The tentative origin of Borisov from the binary star system Kruger 60 opens up possibilities for future exploration and colonization of this system.
• 💁 The trajectory of Borisov will be further studied to gather more information about its origin.
• 🫵 Hubble Space Telescope imaging will provide detailed views of Borisov and help in determining its size, shape, and evolution.
• ❓ The discovery of interstellar objects like Borisov highlights the regular bombardment of our solar system and the potential for future exploration.
• 👶 Advances in technology are enabling the detection and study of interstellar objects, providing new insights into our galaxy.

Transcript

The story of the first confirmed interstellar comet, comet C/2019 Q4, or now designated 2I/Borisov, continues to develop. Unlike Oumuamua which was caught on its way out of the solar system leaving not much time for study, Borisov is on its way in and the observations are well under way already, with more planned for it’s closest pass to the sun on... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: What distinguishes comet Borisov from the previous interstellar comet, Oumuamua?

Unlike Oumuamua, which was caught on its way out of the solar system, Borisov is on its way into the system, allowing for more extensive study.

Q: What does the surface chemical composition observation reveal about Borisov?

The observation suggests that Borisov has a surface composition similar to solar system comets, indicating a likely similarity in the process of comet formation across star systems.

Q: What evidence supports the hypothesis that Borisov originated from the star system Kruger 60?

The researchers analyzing Borisov's trajectory have compelling evidence linking it to the binary star system Kruger 60, which lies just over 13 light-years away from Earth.

Q: Will Borisov be visible to the naked eye?

Unfortunately, Borisov is unlikely to become bright enough to be visible without the use of larger amateur telescopes.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Comet Borisov, also known as 2I/Borisov, is the first confirmed interstellar comet on its way into the solar system.

• Initial observations suggest that Borisov has a surface composition and age similar to solar system comets.

• Studies indicate the presence of cyanide gas in Borisov, which is common in regular solar system comets.

• There is tentative evidence that Borisov may have originated from the binary star system Kruger 60.