The nature of the bizarre comet discovered by amateur astronomer Gennady Borisov in 2019 has been revealed thanks to a new study, using detailed data from the Southern Observatory’s Very Large Forward Telescope. Europe (ESO).
The publication Nature Communications claims that it was indeed a comet, but a completely virgin “virgin” comet. It did not visit another star before approaching the Sun and is captured by humans thanks to a favorable angle and relatively close to Earth.
The team led by Dr Stefano Bagnulo of the Armagh Observatory and Observatory (Northern Ireland, UK) said the aforementioned comet named 2I / Borisov is the second interstellar object “to enter”. The solar system is recorded, after the controversial asteroid Oumuamua. It has polarizing properties different from those of most comets in the solar system (with the exception of comet Hale-Bopp).
It is the polarization with the color of the comet that helps collect data on its composition, leading to the conclusion that this “space virgin” also bears imperfect signs of the cloud of gas and dust. From where she was born, unsullied by the visits of the stars. . The aforementioned comet Hale-Bopp also has the same pristine properties, but it appears that 2I / Borisov is more primitive.
According to Phys.org, the similarities in composition of these two comets also suggest that the place where 2I / Borisov formed must be a star system not much different from our solar system, by objects like them. most primitive elements since the formation of the star system.
Dr Bagnulo unveiled the future plans of the European Space Agency (ESA): to launch a comet “net” device by 2029, to reach it early when another interstellar object is detected. A piece of another stellar object would be a golden opportunity for astronomers to learn directly about a world outside of the solar system.
