The article discusses the vastness of our solar system, focusing on the Oort Cloud, which is divided into two zones: the inner Oort Cloud (about 1,000 astronomical units away from the Sun) and the outer Oort Cloud (starting around 10,000 astronomical units). Recent research led by astronomer David Nesvorný reveals that the inner Oort Cloud exhibits a spiral pattern, influenced by the gravitational pull of the Milky Way and the solar system’s dynamics. This spiral formation spans approximately 15,000 astronomical units and has a 30-degree tilt relative to the solar plane.
Early in the solar system’s history, icy debris distributed in space cooperated to form this spiral structure, which persists despite the randomness of nearby star interactions. While past simulations have hinted at such formations, researchers confirm that they endure even under varied scenarios. Observing these dynamics poses challenges due to the faintness of distant objects and their slow movements. The findings suggest a complex relationship between the solar system and the Milky Way, indicating that the evolution and stability of celestial bodies in the Oort Cloud might be more delicate than previously thought. The complete study is available on the Preprint Server Arxiv.
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