The Fastest-Approaching Object in the Universe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the identification of the fastest-approaching object in the universe, specifically a star cluster potentially influenced by a giant black hole. Participants explore the implications of its blueshift and distance, as well as the potential for human longevity to witness its approach.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Dr. Ken Croswell mentions the discovery of a significant blueshift in a star cluster, suggesting it may be the fastest-approaching object due to the influence of a giant black hole.
  • Some participants express a humorous desire to be dead before the object reaches Earth, indicating a lighthearted tone regarding the potential threat.
  • One participant speculates on the possibility of living over 200 years due to advancements in science, suggesting they might witness the object's approach, which is estimated to be 54 lightyears away and moving at 1026 km/s.
  • Another participant challenges the initial distance claim, asserting it is actually 54 million lightyears away, and questions the calculated speed of 0.3c, suggesting it is closer to 0.003c.
  • There is a correction regarding the estimated time of arrival, with one participant stating that even if the object were headed directly towards Earth, it would take billions of generations to arrive.
  • Participants engage in a back-and-forth about the accuracy of calculations and the importance of verifying claims before posting, with some expressing frustration over perceived inaccuracies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the specifics of the object's distance or speed, with multiple competing views presented. Participants disagree on the calculations and implications of the object's approach, leading to a contested discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the investigation is ongoing and that exact figures are not yet known, highlighting the uncertainty in the current understanding of the object's characteristics.

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Found: The Fastest-Approaching Object in the Universe

by Dr. Ken Croswell

Most of the universe is rushing away from us. It's not that we're particularly repellent; it's just that the universe is expanding, pushing most other galaxies away. Light from distant galaxies travels toward us through this expanding space, which stretches their light to longer, or redder, wavelengths. As a result, the spectra of most galaxies exhibit redshifts. Now astronomers have accidentally discovered the greatest blueshift ever seen, in a star cluster that a giant black hole may have catapulted our way.

Link: Scientific American
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
awesome

we will be dead for sure :)
 
If science succeed in arresting the cellular aging process we might live over 200 years old and witness it. The object is 54 lightyears away and incredibly blueshifted at1026 Km. per second.. 0.3 c? hence eta is about 165 years. It won't hit our solar system anyways because it surely has some sideways motion.
 
Romulo Binuya said:
If science succeed in arresting the cellular aging process we might live over 200 years old and witness it. The object is 54 lightyears away and incredibly blueshifted at1026 Km. per second.. 0.3 c? hence eta is about 165 years. It won't hit our solar system anyways because it surely has some sideways motion.
You might want to recheck the article and your math. :rolleyes:
 
It's an investigation in progress they don't know the exact figures yet. At least I gave an estimate from available data and perhaps prevent this thread going morbid :D
 
Romulo Binuya said:
It's an investigation in progress they don't know the exact figures yet. At least I gave an estimate from available data and perhaps prevent this thread going morbid :D
It is nowhere near us. It is 54 MILLION light years away, not 54 ly and 1000KPS is not 0.3c, it's 0.003c. Even if it were headed straight at us, it wouldn't arrive for billions of generations. Your estimates and arrival date of 165 years are off by more orders of magnitude than I care to count.
 
Last edited:
Romulo Binuya said:
It's an investigation in progress they don't know the exact figures yet. At least I gave an estimate from available data and perhaps prevent this thread going morbid :D

As Borg pointed out, your math is ludicrous. On a forum like this it's a good idea to think through what you are posting because when you make mistakes like that, you will be called on it.
 
Yes I blundered, thank you guys for telling me :-)
 

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