Investigation of Interstellar Object Flux Through the Solar System

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.