Discovering Numerous Interstellar Objects with A Dedicated Space Telescope

TL;DR

A dedicated space telescope with a meter-size aperture can detect and analyze interstellar objects passing near the Sun, providing insights into their properties and origins through thermal and spectroscopic observations.

Contribution

Proposes using a dedicated space telescope to detect and characterize interstellar objects, enabling new insights into their composition and origins.

Findings

Detection of numerous 10-m interstellar objects within 20 degrees of the Sun.

Ability to measure surface temperature, area, and albedo of these objects.

Spectroscopic analysis can reveal composition and birth sites.

Abstract

I show that a dedicated space telescope with a meter-size aperture can detect numerous interstellar objects, 10-m in diameter, that pass within ~20 degrees from the Sun. Separating the emitted thermal radiation from the reflection of sunlight would allow to measure the surface temperature, area and albedo of these objects. Spectroscopic observations of any evaporated material at the expected temperature of ~600K would provide important clues about the nature and birth sites of interstellar objects.