Initially observed in 2017, the interstellar object 'Oumuamua is the first object of its kind to be seen in our...
GMAT Information and Ideas : (Ideas) Questions
Initially observed in 2017, the interstellar object 'Oumuamua is the first object of its kind to be seen in our solar system. Researchers have been puzzled because its acceleration cannot be entirely explained by the gravitational pull of nearby bodies: there must be a nongravitational influence on its velocity and trajectory. Some previously suggested explanations for this nongravitational acceleration involve mechanisms that are unlikely or unrealistic, such as geometric effects from 'Oumuamua being potentially composed of several spatially separated bodies. Now, Jennifer Bergner and colleagues propose that the nongravitational acceleration is due to the gaseous expulsion of entrapped hydrogen from 'Oumuamua's water-rich icy body.
Which statement, if true, would most strongly support the claim made by Bergner and colleagues about the cause of 'Oumuamua's acceleration?
Existing proposed models of outgassing from 'Oumuamua include the direct conversion of nitrogen or carbon monoxide from a solid to a gaseous state without becoming liquid, but these models have theoretical or observational inconsistencies.
'Oumuamua's trajectory is inconsistent with a nongravitational acceleration that would be caused by the release of hydrogen gas resulting from the processing of water ice (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)), but the interstellar object's observable properties can be explained if it has a significant component of molecular hydrogen ice (\(\mathrm{H_2}\)).
Since nongravitational accelerations of interstellar objects are several orders of magnitude weaker than gravitational accelerations, deviation from behavior that could be fully attributed to gravitational pull has been detected on a limited number of objects similar to 'Oumuamua.
Exposure to interstellar cosmic radiation can result in the formation of embedded pockets of hydrogen gas in water ice; moreover, when traveling through the solar system, 'Oumuamua experienced warming sufficient to alter its icy structure and allow for outgassing.
Step 1: Decode and Map the Passage
Create Passage Analysis Table
| Text from Passage | Analysis |
|---|---|
| "Initially observed in 2017, the interstellar object 'Oumuamua is the first object of its kind to be seen in our solar system." |
|
| "Researchers have been puzzled because its acceleration cannot be entirely explained by the gravitational pull of nearby bodies: there must be a nongravitational influence on its velocity and trajectory." |
|
| "Some previously suggested explanations for this nongravitational acceleration involve mechanisms that are unlikely or unrealistic, such as geometric effects from 'Oumuamua being potentially composed of several spatially separated bodies." |
|
| "Now, Jennifer Bergner and colleagues propose that the nongravitational acceleration is due to the gaseous expulsion of entrapped hydrogen from 'Oumuamua's water-rich icy body." |
|
Provide Passage Architecture & Core Elements
Visual Structure Map:
[BACKGROUND: 'Oumuamua = unique interstellar object] → [PROBLEM: Unexplained acceleration beyond gravity] → [PRIOR ATTEMPTS: Unlikely/unrealistic explanations] → [NEW PROPOSAL: Bergner's hydrogen outgassing theory]
Main Point: Bergner and colleagues propose a new explanation for 'Oumuamua's mysterious acceleration—hydrogen gas escaping from its icy composition.
Argument Flow: The passage establishes 'Oumuamua as a unique puzzle due to unexplained acceleration, dismisses previous explanations as unrealistic, then introduces Bergner's team's new hydrogen outgassing hypothesis as an alternative solution.
Step 2: Interpret the Question Precisely
What's being asked? Which statement would most strongly support Bergner and colleagues' specific claim about hydrogen outgassing causing the acceleration.
What type of answer do we need? Evidence that would make their hydrogen outgassing explanation more credible or plausible.
Any limiting keywords? "Most strongly support" means we need the choice that provides the strongest evidence, not just any supporting evidence.
Step 3: Prethink the Answer
- Bergner's claim is that 'Oumuamua's acceleration comes from hydrogen gas escaping from its water-rich icy body
- For this to work, we'd need a mechanism that could create hydrogen gas within water ice
- Conditions that would allow this gas to actually escape and create thrust
- Some way this process could occur specifically with 'Oumuamua
Existing proposed models of outgassing from 'Oumuamua include the direct conversion of nitrogen or carbon monoxide from a solid to a gaseous state without becoming liquid, but these models have theoretical or observational inconsistencies.
- This discusses problems with other outgassing models (nitrogen/carbon monoxide)
- While this eliminates competing theories, it doesn't directly support Bergner's specific hydrogen mechanism
'Oumuamua's trajectory is inconsistent with a nongravitational acceleration that would be caused by the release of hydrogen gas resulting from the processing of water ice (\(\mathrm{H_2O}\)), but the interstellar object's observable properties can be explained if it has a significant component of molecular hydrogen ice (\(\mathrm{H_2}\)).
- This actually states that 'Oumuamua's trajectory is inconsistent with hydrogen gas from H2O processing
- This contradicts rather than supports the claim about hydrogen from water-rich ice
Since nongravitational accelerations of interstellar objects are several orders of magnitude weaker than gravitational accelerations, deviation from behavior that could be fully attributed to gravitational pull has been detected on a limited number of objects similar to 'Oumuamua.
- This provides general background about nongravitational forces being weaker than gravitational ones
- Doesn't specifically address hydrogen outgassing or provide evidence for Bergner's mechanism
Exposure to interstellar cosmic radiation can result in the formation of embedded pockets of hydrogen gas in water ice; moreover, when traveling through the solar system, 'Oumuamua experienced warming sufficient to alter its icy structure and allow for outgassing.
- Provides the exact mechanism needed: cosmic radiation creates hydrogen pockets in water ice
- Establishes that 'Oumuamua experienced sufficient warming to alter ice structure and allow outgassing
- This directly supports both parts of Bergner's theory