‘Oumuamua

'Oumuamua, discovered in 2017, was the first observed interstellar object to enter our solar system. It traveled on a hyperbolic orbit, meaning it would not return. While not exhibiting typical cometary activity like releasing dust, its acceleration suggested outgassing, though typical cometary gases weren't detected. Its unusual cigar-like or pancake shape and size, estimated to be several hundred meters, were notable. Scientists theorize it could be composed of nitrogen ice, similar to bodies like Pluto. The detection of 'Oumuamua suggests interstellar objects frequently pass through our solar system, with estimates indicating at least one such object is within Earth's orbit at any given time.1