Astrophysicists Discuss Our First Encounters with Interstellar Objects

Why did 'Oumuamua, the first discovered interstellar object, accelerate faster than it should? Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice dive into the mysteries of the newest objects in the solar system: “dark comets” and interstellar objects with astrophysicist Darryl Seligman.

We kick things off by revisiting one of the most fascinating astronomical events of recent times: the discovery of 'Oumuamua in 2017. This interstellar object, detected by the Pan-STARRS telescope, left scientists baffled with its hyperbolic orbit, indicating it came from beyond our solar system and would never return. Learn how its unexplained acceleration expands our conventional understanding of celestial objects.

Darryl sheds light on the mysterious forces at play, from hydrogen ice sublimation to radiation pressure, that could be propelling 'Oumuamua. Discover how these anomalies might suggest a new category of “dark comets” that harbor icy material but evade detection due to their low albedo and lack of dust tails. We discuss how this could change how we detect and study such objects, potentially uncovering more interstellar visitors.

Plus, what role might dark comets play in our understanding of the origins of water on Earth? As we look ahead, the upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory promises to revolutionize our understanding of these enigmatic travelers by scanning the southern hemisphere’s sky with unprecedented precision. Learn about the Japanese Hayabusa II Mission to go to a dark comet.

Darryl predicts a surge in interstellar discoveries that could expand our knowledge of these elusive objects and even hint at their role in delivering water to Earth. How might the discovery of more interstellar objects with the Vera Rubin Observatory impact our understanding of the solar system and the galaxy?

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction: Darryl Seligman
02:14 - Discovery of ‘Oumuamua
06:04 - Interstellar Objects v. Comets
9:23 - ‘Oumuamua’s Non-Gravitational Acceleration
15:02 - Is ‘Oumuamua a Dark Comet?
20:12 - What the Vera Rubin Observatory Will Do
22:15 - Dark Comets in Our Solar System
28:17 - Where Did Water on Earth Come From?
32:30 - The Future of Interstellar Object Discovery
35:30 - A Cosmic Perspective

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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[StarTalk]

If 'Oumuamua traveled from another star system, could its strange acceleration be evidence of unknown forces at play in interstellar space, or even hint at advanced technology from elsewhere in the universe?

[THCza]

Please feel free to make the episodes longer. I'm sure many of us wouldn't mind watching a 2hr episode. We Love the show♥️

[stefon]

I love Chuck. He's always so locked in on this stuff. He's like my avatar. He's learned so much over the years that he already understands a lot of the concepts they're discussing so he's able to input serious scientific commentary.

[stefon]

I like this expert too. He's very intelligent, well spoken, well mannered, and has a great personality. His passion for the topic really broke through. He was an amazing guest and I hope he returns in the future. I could tell he was a bit nervous and potentially star-struck(my unprofessional opinion, I definitely would be nervous to have a conversation about my passion, science, with NDT). That would lessen in a second interview because of the experience. I really enjoyed this content. Thank you to everyone involved in making it. Please keep up the great work. What you do is impactful and meaningful to a lot of people!

[TheSouthernSiren]

❤I really appreciate when Neil interrupts his guest and I rarely have a problem with him slowing them down to elaborate deeper. It shows a great deal of humility on his part, that in all these years he still realizes many in his field suffers from expert blindness, as they're no longer able to see others that may not understand certain terms, theories or project purposes on their same level.

Not being able to truly follow a discussion makes one lose focus. While researching and reading new information is always a fun exploration and pass time, no one wants to google every 60 minute StarTalk from beginning to end.

Some channels do forget this small step of remembering their followers. I research to pull things apart naturally and it is the reason I'll have like 100 tabs open on any given day regardless. 😆 But its his thoughtfulness that matters.

[emiliogato]

When an expert interviews and expert, peppered by entertaining commentary by seasoned communicators, you have a perfect conversation.

[jaredleonard]

I love that Chuck and Neil are making this guy defend his thesis. And making him do so in a way that people not in the field can understand.
Btw, good luck on the special, Chuck!

[evank]

I hope Netflix goes for Chuck's stand up special! Would love to see that

[svartfrasr]

"We're right today. We're wrong tomorrow. We're right tomorrow about what we were wrong about today." I love that.

[bluelab]

I love the way these guys ask questions they obviously know the answers to for us who are just regular people who need the questions dumbed down a bit. Brilliant

[monkemagic]

I saw Hally's comet in 86. I was 11. If i live to 87 i WILL see it twice in my life

[johnglielmi]

Great episode, and All the best to Dr. Darryl Seligman on his bright future in the field.

[jamesschmitt]

My absolute favorite group of humans hands down....Neil, Chuck, Charles and Gary

[joseimpact]

i love when neil stops the guest for just a few seconds to give a small comment beacuse it really lets you digest what the guest said and play it back in your head to understand it more rather than him keep going and possibly giving you another brain popping fact

[randypruden]

this guy absolutely loves his job and explaining things. and I love it.

[SpaceFrogFromOuterSpace]

Good luck with the stand up special Chuck, I'd watch that in a heartbeat.

[SirSoFlyMixtapeMays]

@startalk probably one of my favorite podcast to sit back and listen to and learn something interesting every time thanx for the content 🎉

[icebrg]

Great as always. Kudos to Dr. Seligman and his dedication to scientific inquiry: "I was certainly wrong about that". If only we could cultivate more broadly the process of seeking information and being quite content to change our minds based upon evidence.

[juiceworldeuc]

I loved this guest!!! Kept them on point!

[sk.]

If there were no wars and unnecessary distruction of life, how many resources we as human can put into science. The curious and smart people from all cultures, countries and religions can come together and make world a better place.