'Alpha Centauri is creeping closer': Distant star may be sending more than just space rocks to Earth
Produced by: Mohsin Shaikh
Cosmic Highway
Astrophysicists suggest Alpha Centauri is constantly ejecting material into space—some of which may now be drifting through our own solar system.
Oort Cloud Invasion
Researchers estimate over a million interstellar objects from Alpha Centauri may already be lurking in the icy shell surrounding our solar system.
Representative pic
Future Close Call
Alpha Centauri is creeping closer—by 28,000 years, even more of its space debris may enter our solar neighborhood.
Mini Meteors
Up to 10 tiny meteors from Alpha Centauri may enter Earth’s atmosphere yearly, but at just 100 micrometers, they pose no threat.
Galactic Interchange
Stars don’t hoard their material—Gregg and Wiegert’s study shows that solar systems share space debris, blurring the lines between "ours" and "theirs."
The ʻOumuamua Mystery
The first confirmed interstellar visitor, ʻOumuamua, hinted at cosmic travelers, and now scientists think Alpha Centauri may be a major source.
Three-Star Chaos
With three suns, Alpha Centauri’s gravity can slingshot asteroids and comets into interstellar space more easily than our own solar system.
Billion-Year Exchange
For over 100 million years, Alpha Centauri’s debris has been crossing paths with our solar system—and it’s not stopping anytime soon.
The Next Frontier
If Alpha Centauri is sending material our way, could it also be a key to finding extraterrestrial life? Scientists are eager to investigate.