Investigation of Interstellar Object Flux Through the Solar System
Name
Hahn-kathahn-sb-eaps-2021-thesis.pdf
Description
Thesis PDF
Size
3.97 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
2c405ed28dd07520280bbb9d71fd391f
Author(s)
Hahn, Katherine M.
Advisor(s)
Weiss, Benjamin P.
Date Issued
June 2021
Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Abstract
Currently, the number of interstellar objects through the solar system is a key factor in creating engineering projects that will allow for ISOs to be studied more closely, revealing important information about planetary formation and star system history. Thus, a current observational upper limit of the number density of ISOs through the Solar System was calculated. An updated number density was calculated by incorporating two known ISOs into Engelhardt’s previous estimates which were created through simulation of synthetic ISO detection through the Pan-STARRS1 telescope (Engelhardt 2014). The updated number density was estimated as 0.11 AU⁻³ and 3 * 10⁻³ AU⁻³ for an inert and active population of ISOs, respectively. As more ISOs are detected, it is estimated the number density will continue to increase following a Poisson Distribution until 15 ISOs have been detected at which point a new distribution should be invoked. The increased number density provides motivation for new scientific missions which will aim to explore complex topics such as planetary formation.
MIT Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences
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