Over on HuffingtonPost.com, Ed Mazza writes about that weird, almost tube shaped interstellar object named Oumuamua…
…which is coming into our solar system from somewhere (gulp) outside and that…
Scientists To Study Mysterious Interstellar Asteroid For Signs Of Alien Technology
Ok, before you fly off the handle (and at the risk of spoiling things in the fascinating article I just linked to above), this from Avi Loeb, professor of astronomy at Harvard University:
Most likely it is of natural origin, but because it is so peculiar, we would like to check if it has any sign of artificial origin, such as radio emissions. If we do detect a signal that appears artificial in origin, we’ll know immediately.
Then there’s this quote, also found in the article, by Yuri Milner, the Silicon Valley billionaire behind the initiative looking into checking the object out:
We don’t want to be sensational in any way, and we are very realistic about the chances this is artificial. But because this is a unique situation, we think mankind can afford 10 hours of observing time using the best equipment on the planet to check a low-probability hypothesis.
Again, from the article:
Oumuamua’s unusual cigar shape ― 10 times longer than it is wide ― was also “the most likely architecture for an interstellar spacecraft since this would minimize friction and damage from interstellar gas and dust,” the organization said. However, “a natural origin is more likely.”
So there you go. While the odds greatly indicate Oumuamua is a “natural” object, because of its weird shape and that its come from outside our solar system, why not check it out and see if any signals come from it?
Have to tell you, I get chills thinking about it. Kinda/sorta reminds me of some of the stuff I’ve written…!