Unraveling the Origins of 'Oumuamua: Clues Hidden in its Unprecedented Speed

Astronomers can determine the origin and composition of interstellar objects (ISOs) like 'Oumuamua based on their velocity as they enter our solar system. ISOs are likely comets that were ejected from other planetary systems due to encounters with Jupiter-sized planets or fly-by stars. The velocity of an ISO correlates with its composition, with lower-velocity ISOs expected to come from the thin disk of the galaxy, which contains more heavy elements. ISOs from the thin disk are likely to have a lower fraction of water. The upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory is expected to discover hundreds of new ISOs, providing more insights into their origins and chemical properties.