Welcome back to the Abstract! These are the studies this week that went interstellar, entombed the sky, hit the gas, and renewed the world.
First, scientists predict that there are thousands of objects from alien star systems lurking in the outer reaches of the solar system. Then: ancient air is hidden in glassy Moon beads, the “worst energy policy in the world,” and a mysterious Mississippian luxury.
As always, for more of my work, check out my book First Contact: The Story of Our Obsession with Aliens, or subscribe to my personal newsletter the BeX Files.
Raymond, Sean et al. “Capture of interstellar objects during stellar encounters.” Astronomy & Astrophysics.
Over the past decade, three interstellar objects have been spotted streaking through our solar system. It’s likely that dozens more of these interlopers will be discovered in the coming years. These objects travel so fast that they can escape the gravitational clutches of the Sun, which is why they are only visible for weeks before hurtling back out to speed-run the galaxy.
